West Java Governor Asks Private Schools to Enrol Underprivileged Students

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has requested that private schools open the widest possible access to education for pupils from lower-middle-income families. This measure serves as a solution for prospective students who have not been accepted into state schools during the 2026/2027 academic year’s New Student Admissions (PPDB). Dedi stressed that collaboration between the West Java Provincial Government and the private sector is crucial. This synergy is needed to guarantee the continuity of education for children at the senior high school (SMA) and vocational high school (SMK) levels. Through this cooperation, the West Java Provincial Government plans to disburse education cost assistance amounting to Rp2.7 million per pupil in the first year at a private school. The governor hopes this budget scheme can be promptly agreed upon by all private school foundations. “Do not put the governor in a dilemma. On one hand, adding classes in state schools is not allowed, but on the other hand, private schools are offered cooperation with a certain budget and refuse,” he explained on Friday (19/6). Dedi warned that the absence of a role for private schools in accommodating underprivileged students could potentially increase the dropout rate in West Java. Therefore, the West Java Provincial Government is fully committed to ensuring all children have equal rights and access to education, regardless of economic background. “Several pupils from affluent economic backgrounds have already decided to attend private schools in the 2026/2027 academic year. Meanwhile, a number of other pupils mapped in the 2026 SPMB will attend state schools,” he clarified. The limited capacity of state schools is forcing the West Java Provincial Government to make private schools the main safety valve to prevent children in West Java from dropping out of school.