West Java DPRD: It Is Necessary To Align The Development Of Public And Private Schools In Bogor City

BOGOR - Deputy Chairperson of the West Java DPRD, Iwan Suryawan, revealed the challenges of developing state junior high schools (SMPN) and state high schools (SMAN) in Bogor City which are often polemic in society, in the midst of provincial and central policies that are fixing education problems.

In a hearing dialogue held at the Bogor City DPRD, Iwan Suryawan said that the number of SMAN in the City of Rain had spread across six sub-districts, even more, because the total number of SMAN in Bogor City reached 10 schools.

Likewise with SMPN, which currently stands at 21 schools, with one additional school, SMPN 22, ready to open registration in 2025, and SMPN 23, which is still under construction.

However, when compared to the number of elementary and junior high school students who will continue to a higher level, the capacity of SMPN and SMAN in Bogor City is still very lacking.

As a result, many students from underprivileged families are forced to enter private schools with limited payability. Some of them were not even able to redeem diplomas.

"When we apply for a budget for the construction of a new school, the amount is evenly distributed in all sub-districts. However, the problem is, there are schools whose locations are difficult to reach for students at the border. In addition, the capacity is also still less than the number of students there are," he said.

Regarding the policy of the governor of West Java regarding diplomas that cannot be withheld

According to Iwan, the populist policy taken by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, regarding the prohibition of the detention of high school/vocational level diplomas, is certainly very beneficial for the community, especially for students who have just graduated to get a job faster.

However, on the other hand, private schools objected because their source of income came from student payments. The process of collecting data on students who are in arrears and the compensation mechanism from the West Java Provincial Government also takes time.

"So, back again, about the number of public and private schools, where there are more private schools. Therefore, the policy to prohibit the detention of this diploma needs to be adjusted in time in its implementation," he explained.

The fate of private schools is at stake if public schools increase

Iwan also said that as a member of the council, he often heard complaints from residents, including private schools, who were worried that if the number of public schools continued to grow, their prospective students would decrease. This condition has the potential to threaten the existence of several private schools.

Not to mention, there is a central government plan to build 1,000 public schools, with 200 of them to be built this year, and 30 schools to be placed in West Java.

The General Treasurer of the West Java PKS DPW is of the opinion that dialogue with all parties must continue to be carried out to harmonize the direction of development, especially in the field of education. He emphasized that the government would certainly design this policy with a good purpose for the benefit of the community.

"We at the council will continue to follow and supervise developments in West Java, especially regarding the polemic of development and policies in this field of education," he concluded.