Banten Governor, Andra Soni (right), as a guest speaker on a TV talk show regarding the Free School Program.

BANTEN – Banten Governor, Andra Soni, stated a commitment to ensure there are no more children dropping out of school in Banten Province.

This is an effort to enhance the competitiveness of Banten Province’s superior and highly competitive human resources (HR). To support sustainable economic growth.

This statement was delivered by Banten Governor, Andra Soni, while being a guest speaker on the Banten Bicara talk show on TVRI Banten with the theme «Free School, Banten’s Commitment for the Future».

«Since the authority to manage senior high schools (SMA), vocational high schools (SMK), and special education schools (SKH) shifted to the province in 2017, the Provincial Government of Banten had to prepare concrete solutions. One of them is free school. Our average years of schooling is still 9.18 years. This means many children still stop their education after junior high school,» he said.

He explained that the current number of public schools is insufficient to accommodate all new students. Out of 179,000 applicants this year, only 80,000 could be accepted into public schools.

The remainder are directed to private schools, which are now fully supported by the provincial government. Through funding of Rp250 thousand per student per month in the Greater Tangerang area. This fee covers tuition (SPP), building fees, re-registration fees, and student activities.

«The government wants to ensure that no child drops out of school due to cost reasons. Therefore, we partner with private schools as a short-term solution. Meanwhile, in the future, we will add classrooms and build New School Units (USB),» he stated.

Learning Quality is a Priority

He emphasized that learning quality remains a priority. Each classroom is limited to a maximum of 36 students with a size of 8×9 meters. To maintain comfort and learning effectiveness.

On the other hand, the New Student Admission System (SPMB) has also been updated through a more flexible zoning domicile scheme. Including affirmation pathways, achievement pathways, and parental relocation pathways.

Data verification is conducted based on academic grades and DTKS (Integrated Social Welfare Data) data. To ensure educational assistance is distributed accurately.

Regarding implementation technicalities, the provincial government has reached an understanding with private schools. Education funds are distributed directly on a per-student basis through a virtual account system.

Schools are prohibited from collecting additional fees. Registration fees that were collected before this program started must be returned to the parents/guardians.

«If any school still charges fees outside the provisions, please report it to us. Transparency and accountability are the keys to the success of this program,» he affirmed.

It was stated that improving human resources is one of the main factors in the government’s efforts to drive regional economic growth.

With strategic infrastructure like Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Merak Port, along with high investment realization, Banten Province requires superior and highly competitive human resources.

In the first quarter of 2025, Banten’s investment realization had reached Rp31 trillion from an annual target of Rp119 trillion.

The Free Education Program is expected to support sustainable economic growth.

He concluded his statement by inviting all elements of society to support the program. So that it can continue to cover grades XI and XII in the coming years.

«We want all children in Banten Province to have access to proper education. This is not just about numbers, it’s about the future,» he remarked.

TANGERANG – The Tangerang City Government (Pemkot Tangerang) together with the Tangerang City DPRD officially agreed on the Changes to the General Budget Policy (KUA) and the Changes to the Temporary Budget Priorities and Ceilings (PPAS) for the 2025 Fiscal Year. This agreement was marked by a signing during a Plenary Meeting in the Tangerang City DPRD Meeting Room.

The Mayor of Tangerang stated that this momentum is an important step in ensuring the regional budget truly addresses the dynamics of community needs and the challenges of ever-evolving urban development.

«This agreement is not just about numbers and the budget structure, but also a shared commitment to ensure public services that are fast, equitable, and have a direct impact on the community,» said the mayor.

Through the changes to

Banten Province

Banten Province is a historically significant region on the island of Java, Indonesia, which was once the heart of the powerful Banten Sultanate, a major center of Islamic learning and trade in the 16th-17th centuries. Today, it is an important industrial and port area, home to the modern Merak harbor, while also preserving ancient ruins like the Grand Mosque of Banten and the Dutch Fort Speelwijk from its colonial past.

TVRI Banten

TVRI Banten is the regional station of the Indonesian public broadcasting network TVRI, serving Banten province. It was established to provide local news, cultural programming, and educational content to the residents of the region. As part of the state-owned TVRI network, its history is tied to the national broadcaster’s mission of public service since its inception.

Greater Tangerang

Greater Tangerang is a major city and regency in Banten province, Indonesia, located just west of Jakarta. Historically, it was an important colonial settlement and trading post, with a significant heritage of *Benteng* (fort) culture from the 17th century. Today, it is a vital part of the Jakarta metropolitan area, known for its industrial parks and as a major transportation hub.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is Indonesia’s primary international gateway, located in Tangerang near Jakarta. Named after the country’s first president and vice-president, it was officially opened in 1985 to replace the overcapacity of the older Kemayoran and Halim Perdanakusuma airports. The airport is renowned for its design, which incorporates traditional Indonesian architectural elements and lush garden courtyards between its terminals.

Merak Port

Merak Port is a major seaport located in Banten, Indonesia, serving as a crucial hub for ferry traffic and cargo transport across the Sunda Strait to Sumatra. Historically, its development was significantly boosted during the Dutch colonial era to facilitate trade and logistics. Today, it remains one of Indonesia’s busiest ports, vital for inter-island connectivity and the national economy.

Tangerang City

Tangerang City is a major industrial and manufacturing hub located in Indonesia’s Banten province, directly west of Jakarta. Historically, it was a significant settlement for the Chinese community, particularly the «Cina Benteng» people, and its name is derived from the Sundanese words «tangeran» and «hyang,» meaning «tangeran (a type of tool) of the deities.» Today, it forms a critical part of the Jakarta metropolitan area and is known for its numerous factories and its old town area with historic temples.

Tangerang City DPRD

The Tangerang City DPRD is the legislative body for the local government of Tangerang City, Indonesia. It is a modern institution whose history is tied to the city’s own development and its separation from the larger Tangerang Regency to become an independent administrative entity. The council is responsible for creating local regulations, budgeting, and overseeing the city’s executive governance.

Tangerang City Government

The Tangerang City Government is the administrative body for Tangerang, a major city in Banten Province, Indonesia. Historically, the area was a significant 17th-century settlement for Chinese migrants and was later developed into an important industrial hub. The city government manages the region’s development from its seat at the Tangerang City Hall.