Sorong Regency Allocates Rp7 Billion to Support School Operations
The Sorong Regency Government, Southwest Papua, has allocated approximately Rp7 billion for the Regional School Operational Assistance (BOSDA) to support the operational needs of educational units as part of the initiative to realise free education in the region.
The Head of the Sorong Regency Education and Culture Office, Andreas Taa, stated in Sorong on Tuesday that this budget allocation is provided annually to schools based on the number of students enrolled.
“The Sorong Regency Government continues to provide operational assistance to schools as part of fulfilling the vision and mission of the Regent of Sorong, particularly the free education programme,” he said.
In addition to BOSDA, he noted that the local government supports education through the provision of school buses and uniforms for students.
According to Andreas, the free education programme refers to Sorong Regency Regional Regulation Number 8 of 2017.
He explained that BOSDA is intended for schools under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, including private schools and educational units under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Private schools, he continued, are permitted to collect School Development Contributions (SPP), but the amount must be adjusted to the community’s conditions and must not burden parents.
He explained that the amount of BOSDA received by each school is adjusted according to the number of students and the operational needs of the educational unit.
“This year, we are still budgeting around Rp7 billion. In previous years, the value was almost the same, and that budget is distributed across all educational units,” he said.
He added that the amount of assistance received by schools varies. Schools with a small number of students, particularly in remote areas, may receive assistance ranging from approximately Rp15 million to Rp20 million.
These funds are used to support school operational expenses, including office stationery and other basic requirements.
According to Andreas, the amount of assistance received by schools in remote areas must be understood by considering the high costs of mobility and goods distribution.
“In some areas, travel costs alone are very high. Therefore, the available operational funds must be managed effectively to meet various school needs,” he said.
He expressed hope that the BOSDA support could assist educational units in conducting learning activities and providing better access to education for the community across the entire region, including remote areas.