SMAN 1 Marga Sees Low Enrolment Again, Admits Only 45 Students

SMAN 1 Marga has again received a minimal number of new students for the 2026/2027 academic year. Out of 12 prepared study groups, the school only admitted 45 students. This figure is just one student more than the previous year’s total of 44.

Headmaster of SMAN 1 Marga, I Wayan Dedi Armana, confirmed on Wednesday (15/7/2026) that the 45 new students are divided into two study groups, comprising 22 and 23 students respectively. “There is a total of 45 students divided into two study groups. This year, the number increased by one compared to last year,” said Dedi Armana.

Dedi Armana assessed that the low number of new students each year is influenced by a phenomenon where the public prefers to send their children to vocational schools. According to him, this condition has persisted for the last two years, resulting in each cohort filling only two study groups.

He noted that the low intake of new students is not exclusive to SMAN 1 Marga but is also experienced by several state senior high schools in the Baturiti, Kerambitan, and Penebel districts. “Public interest currently leans more towards choosing vocational schools. A similar situation is also experienced by state senior high schools in Baturiti, Kerambitan, and Penebel districts, so it is not only happening at SMAN 1 Marga,” he explained.

Although the number of new students is relatively small, the school assures that the learning process continues to run effectively. Currently, SMAN 1 Marga is supported by 32 teaching staff. During the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS), the school not only introduces the learning environment to new students but also instils character values. In this year’s MPLS, the school held a social service activity and a joint prayer at Luhur Serijong Temple in Selemadeg District as part of student character building. “We continue to prioritise character education through various activities during MPLS, so that students not only get an introduction to the school environment but also the formation of positive attitudes and values,” concluded Dedi Armana.