West Java DPRD Highlights 144 Sub-Districts Still Without Senior High Schools

The West Java Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) has highlighted that hundreds of sub-districts in the province still do not have state senior high schools (SMA) or vocational schools (SMK). This condition is considered a pressing task that must be resolved to achieve equitable access to education in West Java.

Commission IV member Daddy Rohanady stated that based on data discussed with the provincial government, there are still 144 sub-districts without an SMA or SMK. Although this number is believed to have decreased with the construction of new schools, the issue of educational equality remains a concern for the council.

“I am among those who insist that out of 627 sub-districts in West Java, 144 still do not have an SMA or SMK. Hopefully, this number has now decreased,” Daddy said during the 2026 Regional Development Award interview and verification event at the West Java Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) office on Monday (29/6/2026).

He emphasised that the West Java DPRD, through its Budget Committee, continues to push for the addition of new schools in areas with limited access to secondary education. This step is deemed crucial so that students do not have to travel long distances or even cross into other regions to attend school.

Daddy cited conditions he encountered in Talun Sub-district, Cirebon Regency, where students from several villages must cross into other areas to access SMA or SMK level education. “How can we not be concerned when children have to go to school in other regencies? This must be a shared concern,” he said.

Besides Talun, he mentioned several other sub-districts that still require additional school units. The DPRD continues to strive to ensure that the community’s educational needs are incorporated into regional development planning.

Daddy asserted that education sector development must be part of the broader agenda to improve the quality of human resources in West Java. The presence of SMA and SMK in every sub-district is expected to expand learning opportunities while reducing educational disparities between regions. He expressed hope that synergy between the DPRD and the West Java provincial government would accelerate the realisation of equitable education services across the province.