A total of 76,645 students have enrolled in or benefited from the Free Private School Program in Banten Province for the 2025/2026 academic year.
This was announced during the closing ceremony of the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for the 2025/2026 academic year at SMK Bismillah in Serang Regency.
Of the 76,645 new students participating in the free school program at private institutions, 17,183 are enrolled in high schools (SMA), 56,880 in vocational schools (SMK), and 2,582 in special education schools (SKh).
Meanwhile, new students accepted into public high schools (SMAN), vocational schools (SMKN), and special education schools (SKhN) in Banten Province for the 2025/2026 academic year reached 79,975, with details as follows: 47,323 in SMAN, 31,022 in SMKN, and 1,630 in SKhN.
“Under this free school program, student account books will be distributed in full by August, after the data input process is completed in the Ministry of Education’s database. We have scheduled for educational assistance funds to be received by schools by September,” it was explained.
The Free School Program reflects the commitment of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Banten to ensure no child is left behind in accessing education.
“Make the most of this opportunity. Study diligently so you can achieve success in the future. As for costs, that is the responsibility of the provincial government. Parents need only focus on educating their children at home,” was the message conveyed to students.
As of mid-July 2025, between 811 and 814 private schools have joined the program, against an initial target of around 1,200 schools.
The program aims to support approximately 87,000 to 88,000 new 10th-grade students across all regencies/cities in Banten Province.
“The Banten Provincial Government has allocated a budget of around Rp159 billion for the first six months of the program,” it was stated.
Each student receives educational assistance of Rp250,000 per month in the Greater Tangerang area and Rp150,000 per month in Serang, Cilegon, Lebak, and Pandeglang.
The funds are disbursed directly to students’ virtual accounts in four stages annually.
To participate in the program, students must meet several key requirements, including residing in Banten Province for at least one year (verified by a family card) and registering through the Banten Province Joint Admission Selection (SPMB) pathway.
Registration pathways include zoning, affirmative action, and merit-based.
Participating schools must meet service standards, including a maximum of 36 students per classroom, based on an 8 × 9-meter room capacity.
Additionally, schools charging additional fees outside the program’s provisions must refund them. The public is also encouraged to report any unauthorized fees.
