Several State Primary Schools in Java Face Severe Shortage of New Students

Several state primary schools (SDN) in Java have reported a severe shortage of new students for the 2026/2027 academic year, with some institutions welcoming only a handful of pupils. At SDN Purwoyoso 01 in Semarang, Central Java, only three new students enrolled, down from five initial registrants. Despite the low numbers, the school held a festive welcome with a clown mascot for the Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS) orientation period. Headteacher Hajar Riatiani stated that the school remains committed to providing a vibrant welcome regardless of student numbers, with this year’s theme being a circus.

In Boyolali, Central Java, SDN 2 Cepokosawit received just one new student, Khanza, who arrived on the first day still wearing her kindergarten uniform. Her teacher, Andiyani Mudyah, admitted to initial feelings of inadequacy but affirmed the school’s commitment to providing optimal education. Similarly, SDN 2 Plandaan in Tulungagung enrolled only two new pupils, one of whom arrived late in casual clothes and was immediately provided with a free school uniform by the teachers.

The situation is more severe in Blitar Regency, where the local education office recorded three state primary schools with zero new students for the 2026/2027 academic year. The affected schools are SDN Kalimanis 4, SDN Ringinrejo 3, and SDN Sumberboto 5. The Head of the Blitar Education Office, Agus Santoso, said an investigation is underway to determine whether the lack of enrolment is due to an absence of kindergarten graduates, competition with other schools, or technical issues with the online registration system. In Ciamis, West Java, SDN 2 Salakaria had only one new student registered, but the pupil was unable to attend the first day of school due to illness, forcing the postponement of the orientation activities prepared specifically for them.