As the new academic year approaches, several prospective students of Sekolah Rakyat 33 in South Tangerang City (Tangsel) have decided to withdraw their enrollment.
This decision was made because they were not yet ready to live in a dormitory and be separated from their parents.
The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Banten Province confirmed that these withdrawals occurred just days before the start of the academic year.
“The school operates on a boarding system, so some may not be ready to stay in a dormitory or be away from their parents. There are various reasons,” said the Regional Secretary.
Sekolah Rakyat is known as an alternative educational institution that implements a boarding system to foster independence and discipline in students from an early age.
However, this system has not been fully accepted by all prospective students and parents.
The Regional Secretary stated that despite some withdrawals, the quota of 150 students has been fully filled. He did not specify how many students had withdrawn earlier.
“Some withdrew because they were not ready to study there, but replacements have been found, totaling 150. The replacements come from various areas, including Tangerang,” he explained.
The replacement students come from different regions, including Tangerang. The Regional Secretary also emphasized that Sekolah Rakyat 33 Tangsel is not a temporary school.
The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2025. “God willing, the plan is to start MPLS on the 15th,” he said.
He added that teaching staff have also been prepared. Currently, over 30 teachers will be teaching at Sekolah Rakyat 33 Tangsel.
According to him, these teachers have undergone training at the Ministry. School renovations have been 100% completed, and most facilities are already available.
“Thankfully, the teachers are ready—over 30 just for Tangsel. They have already received training at the ministry,” he concluded.
The opening of Sekolah Rakyat is expected to be an initial step in expanding educational access for underprivileged communities in Banten. The local government is ready to support the Ministry of Social Affairs’ program to ensure its successful implementation.
