West Java Governor Asks Private Schools to Open Access for Poor Students Not Admitted to Public Schools

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has called on private schools to open their doors to underprivileged students who were not accepted into public schools for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic year. This initiative aims to ensure that students from lower-middle-income families can continue their education at the senior high school (SMA) and vocational school (SMK) levels.

The provincial government is prepared to offer financial support to these students, allocating Rp 2.7 million for their first year of schooling in private institutions. Governor Mulyadi stressed the necessity of a collaborative effort between the provincial government and private school foundations. He expressed concern about a potential dilemma where the province cannot increase public school capacity but private schools are unwilling to partner despite the offered funding.

"Don't let the governor be put in a dilemma. On one hand, increasing class sizes in public schools is not allowed, but on the other hand, private schools are offered cooperation with this amount of funding and refuse it," Mulyadi stated.

Mulyadi underscored that without the involvement of private schools, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are unable to secure spots in public schools might be forced to abandon their education. As governor, he is committed to preventing this outcome and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students, irrespective of their financial status. While some affluent students have already chosen private schools for the 2026/2027 academic year, Mulyadi's focus remains on those who would otherwise be excluded.

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Don't let the governor be put in a dilemma. On one hand, increasing class sizes in public schools is not allowed, but on the other hand, private schools are offered cooperation with this amount of funding and refuse it.