West Java's PPDB Solution: Governor Dedi Mulyadi to Fund Zoned-Out Students at Private Schools

The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, has issued a strategic policy to resolve the controversy surrounding the Public Student Admission (PPDB) process in the region. The West Java Provincial Government has affirmed its commitment to covering the entire cost of education for students within the zoning area who fail to pass the selection for leading state schools and must transition to private schools. This step was taken as a form of state presence in guaranteeing citizens’ education rights, especially for those affected by changes in the status of model or leading schools in their residential areas. This policy is a direct response to the anxiety of parents worried that their children will miss out on schooling due to the tight competition on the achievement track at certain schools. Dedi Mulyadi stressed that students domiciled in the zoning area but displaced by achievement-based selection need not be disheartened. This formula is expected to be a long-term solution to the disparity in state school capacity in West Java. According to Provincial Government data, there is a significant gap between the number of applicants and available seats in state schools. In addition to providing private school fee subsidies, the West Java Provincial Government has also officially extended the mapping and registration period for new prospective students at state senior high schools and vocational schools. This step aims to provide room for residents experiencing technical or administrative obstacles during the registration process. The mapping period, originally scheduled to end earlier, has now been extended until Thursday, 11 June 2026, at 24.00 WIB. With this additional time, it is expected that all prospective students will have an equal opportunity to access available registration tracks, be it zoning, achievement, or affirmation. In line with the private school financing policy, the West Java Provincial Government has also decided to restore the function of certain schools as leading or model schools. These schools will be focused on developing students’ specific talents, ranging from academic achievement, and arts, to sports. Dedi Mulyadi considers school specialisation very important for creating competitive human resources, but it must be accompanied by the protection of local residents (zoning) so they do not lose their basic right to attend school near their homes.