Minister Addresses Decline in State Primary School Enrolment

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has spoken out regarding the phenomenon of state primary schools (SDN) in various regions experiencing a shortage of new students, with some only enrolling a handful of pupils. He stated that his ministry is currently collecting data on schools with fewer than 60 students. Mu’ti revealed that he has informally discussed the declining student numbers with Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, and a special meeting will be scheduled to address the issue.

Several state primary schools in Java have seen a significant drop in enrolment for the new academic year. At SDN Purwoyoso 01 in Semarang, Central Java, only three new students were admitted, although they were welcomed festively with a circus-themed orientation. The school’s head, Hajar Riatiani, noted that while five students initially registered online, only three completed the process.

A similar situation occurred in Boyolali, where SDN 2 Cepokosawit enrolled just one new student, Khanza. Teacher Andiyani Mudrikah said the school remains committed to providing the best education and serving the student optimally despite the low enrolment. In Tulungagung, East Java, SDN 2 Plandaan also received only two new students, one of whom arrived late on the first day of school accompanied by his grandparents.