Banten Provincial Government Expands Free School Program

Banten - Governor of Banten Andra Soni has reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Banten’s (Pemprov Banten) commitment to ensuring equal access to education through the expansion of the Free School Program under the Banten Cerdas (Smart Banten) scheme. This was stated during the National Education Day 2026 ceremony at the Governor’s Office Field, KP3B, Curug, Serang City, on Monday (4/5/2026).

In his address, the Governor emphasized that equitable education is key to realizing a progressive, just, and corruption-free Banten society.

Through the Banten Cerdas Program, the Banten Provincial Government is introducing a strategic policy of Free Schools for students at private SMA (senior high schools), SMK (vocational high schools), and SKh (special needs senior high schools).

“The Banten Provincial Government will continue to implement programs that provide the widest possible access for Banten’s children to exercise their right to education,” said Andra.

He explained that the program began in 2025 and will be further expanded in 2026 based on evaluations to ensure the policy is well-targeted and delivers direct benefits to the community.

“In the first year we implemented it, this year we will evaluate it so that the Free School Program becomes more effective and its benefits are felt directly by the people,” he said.

In addition to expanding access, the Banten Provincial Government is also encouraging an improvement in the quality of partner schools in the program. According to him, equitable education is not only about access but also about the quality of services received by students.

To broaden its reach, the Banten Provincial Government is also exploring cooperation with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to accommodate faith-based schools, particularly Madrasah Aliyah (Islamic senior high schools).

“We want to ensure that children who choose religious-based education also receive the same opportunities,” he said.

The Governor stressed that education plays a vital role in lifting communities out of hardship and building a just and mutually respectful character. Through equitable education, Banten is expected to become a progressive, just, equitable, and corruption-free region.

Meanwhile, Head of the Banten Provincial Education and Culture Office, Jamaludin, stated that the implementation of the expanded Free School Program, including for Madrasah Aliyah, is targeted to begin in July 2026.

“We are currently coordinating with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Banten Province. God willing, implementation will start in July,” he said.

He added that the program’s financing scheme is still being calculated, taking into account the regional budget capacity. The amount of assistance will be adjusted to the average education costs applied at the schools, with the goal of ensuring no child in Banten drops out of school due to economic constraints.

In its implementation, partner schools are required to waive main education fees, such as SPP (school tuition fees) and other operational costs. The Banten Provincial Government will also continue to conduct evaluations to ensure the program runs according to the regulations, including taking firm action if violations are found.

“The hope is that all children must attend school. No one should be unable to go to school just because of cost issues,” said Andra.

This policy is part of the Banten Provincial Government’s efforts to strengthen human resource development through inclusive, equitable, and quality education.

Banten Deputy Governor Facilitates Resolution of Student Diploma Withholding

Deputy Governor of Banten Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah has reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating the resolution of cases involving the withholding of diplomas by private schools, particularly those affecting students from low-income families.

Dimyati made the statement while directly mediating between the student and the school via telephone at a private SMA (senior high school) in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang Regency, on Monday (4/5/2026).

During the dialogue, Dimyati urged that the tuition arrears issue be resolved immediately so the student could collect the diploma, which had been held for two years.

“Go ahead and take the diploma, okay? Mr. Principal, please send the school’s account number soon, and I will transfer the money,” said Dimyati.

After the mediation, he revealed that the withholding of diplomas is a widespread problem that requires serious attention from the government.

According to him, the state must be present to provide solutions, especially for underprivileged communities.

“I will first request data on how many private schools are still withholding diplomas. I believe there are many — possibly tens of thousands. After that, we will find solutions together,” he said.

Dimyati also opened the possibility of implementing payment relaxation policies by schools, such as fee reductions of up to 50 percent or other mutually beneficial schemes.

In addition, he encouraged the establishment of a complaint center for people facing similar problems.

“The main point is that in the future, no school should withhold diplomas anymore, because diplomas are essential for continuing education or applying for jobs. Moreover, since last year we have already made education free at private schools,” he emphasized.

He also reminded students receiving assistance to maintain their enthusiasm for learning and working, and to use the aid as motivation to improve themselves.

“Remember, this assistance must become motivation to be better and to work harder. Don’t be lazy,” he said.

This step is part of the Banten Provincial Government’s efforts to ensure that the basic rights of the community to education and employment opportunities are fulfilled fairly and equitably.

Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Dropout Rates

Banten Provincial Secretary Deden Apriandhi met with students amid heavy rain at the Banten Provincial Government Center (KP3B) on Monday (4/5/2026). He also reaffirmed the regional government’s commitment to reducing school dropout rates through various education programs.

During the meeting, Deden received aspirations from three groups of students from various universities in Banten who shared their views regarding the commemoration of National Education Day (Hardiknas) and International Labor Day (May Day).

“We received three groups delivering aspirations related to Labor Day and Education Day,” said Deden.

He explained that the Banten Provincial Government continues to make various efforts to eradicate school dropout rates, one of which is through the Free School Program, which has already been felt by students at private SMA, SMK, and SKh schools.

The program is also planned to reach Madrasah Aliyah under the authority of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In addition, Deden stated that the Banten Provincial Government continues to improve educational facilities and infrastructure. Since the leadership of Governor Andra Soni and Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah, the construction of several new public SMA/SMK schools has been carried out, including in Tangerang Regency and Serang City.

“Alhamdulillah, this year we are also continuing to repair and build new schools across Banten Province,” he said.

Deden emphasized that the Governor of Banten has a strong commitment to advancing the education sector and realizing equitable and just development in Banten Province.

The meeting served as a dialogue space between the regional government and students to strengthen synergy in improving the quality of education and reducing school dropout rates in Banten.