Yogyakarta Mayor Aims to Expand Free School Access

Yogyakarta City is prioritizing the expansion of free education by increasing the availability of free schools, particularly for elementary students. This strategy aims to ensure more children receive education without financial burdens, serving as a practical alternative to the city's inability to establish "Sekolah Rakyat" (People's Schools) for disadvantaged communities.

Mayor Hasto Wardoyo stated that the policy aligns with the government's goal of broadening educational access. "We want to provide as many free schools as possible. As per Prabowo's directive, if the city cannot realize people's schools, then let there be many free schools," Wardoyo explained in a recent interview.

“

We want to provide as many free schools as possible. As per Prabowo's directive, if the city cannot realize people's schools, then let there be many free schools.

The city's educational landscape shows a disparity in public school popularity. While public junior high schools are highly sought after, public elementary schools face lower demand. "Junior high school management is good and highly desired by the public, meaning elementary school management is less good and needs further improvement," Wardoyo observed.

Wardoyo identified enhancing the quality of public elementary schools as a critical task. He urged teachers and principals to focus on improving educational standards to make these schools more attractive to both Yogyakarta residents and those from outside the city. The administration's focus is on making elementary education more accessible and appealing.

“

Junior high school management is good and highly desired by the public, meaning elementary school management is less good and needs further improvement.