Banyuwangi Regency Returns 3,259 Out-of-School Children Through 'Rindu Bulan' Program

The Banyuwangi Regency government in East Java is making significant strides in reintegrating out-of-school children (ATS) into the formal education system through its "Rindu Bulan" (Rural Initiative for Complete Compulsory Education for 12 Years) program. Since its inception in 2023, this village-based collaborative effort has successfully brought 3,259 children back to school.

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Our screening is done from the village level, and if we lock it down from the smallest unit, the handling will be more targeted because the reasons for children dropping out of school are different, so the form of assistance must also be adjusted.

Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani highlighted that "Rindu Bulan" is a collaborative endeavor involving various entities, including village/urban village governments, educational institutions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the East Java Provincial Education Branch Office, and Baznas (National Amil Zakat Agency). This localized approach, starting from the smallest community unit, is deemed more effective for targeted interventions, as the reasons for dropping out vary, necessitating tailored support.

Fiestiandani emphasized that the program's commitment extends beyond merely returning children to school. Continuous support is provided for both academic progress and educational needs until graduation. The Regent herself regularly visits the homes of children identified as at risk of dropping out, offering motivation to both the children and their families. The ultimate goal is to ensure more children in Banyuwangi complete their education, recognizing education as a key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

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With the collaboration of many parties, we hope that more Banyuwangi children can complete their education. Education is one of the keys to breaking the chain of poverty.

The Banyuwangi Regency government is dedicated to upholding every child's right to education up to the high school level or equivalent. Various educational assistance schemes are continuously ensured to support vulnerable children. "For us, no child should lose the opportunity to receive an education, regardless of their circumstances. Every child has the right to their education through various assistance schemes," Fiestiandani stated.

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For us, no child should lose the opportunity to receive an education, regardless of their circumstances. Every child has the right to their education through various assistance schemes.

Alfian, the Acting Head of the Banyuwangi Regency Education Office, explained that the support process begins with verifying and validating data on children at risk of dropping out. Teams then conduct home visits to understand the root causes of their absence from school. "Children who are truly identified as ATS will be visited to understand the root of their problems, from which we determine the most appropriate affirmation or assistance, whether it's returning them to formal school, equivalency education, or facilitating access to various available educational aid," he detailed.

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Children who are truly identified as ATS will be visited to understand the root of their problems, from which we determine the affirmation or assistance that is most appropriate, whether it's returning them to formal school, equivalency education, or facilitating access to various available educational aid.