West Java DPRD: Private School Subsidies Are the Key to Overcoming Limitations on SPMB Quota

Illustration of a school (ANTARA)

BANDUNG - Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD Iwan Suryawan emphasized that the subsidy program for students who attend private schools is an important step to ensure access to education for thousands of SMP and MTs graduates who are not accommodated in state SMA and SMK in the 2026 New Student Admission System (SPMB).

According to Iwan, the policy taken by the West Java Provincial Government is on the right track. However, the effectiveness of the program depends heavily on the readiness of private schools that are partners of the government in accommodating students from poor families.

"The step of subsidizing students in private schools is currently very necessary and the West Java Provincial Government's step is good enough. It remains to be seen how the readiness of private schools that cooperate to carry out this trust," said Iwan Suryawan, Wednesday, June 17.

He explained that the main problem in SPMB was not only the limited capacity of state schools, but also the economic ability of the community to access private education.

Based on data from the West Java Education Office, the number of SMP and MTs graduates this year reached around 826 thousand students. Meanwhile, the capacity of state high schools and vocational schools is only around 363 thousand seats. This condition makes hundreds of thousands of students have to continue their education to private schools.

"The quota of empty seats in the private sector is indeed a lot. But if it cannot be bought by the public because of its high cost, it is the same as lying. This is where the state's commitment is tested through the subsidy scheme," said Iwan.

To support this policy, the West Java Provincial Government together with the DPRD has allocated a budget of around Rp. 218 billion in the 2026 Budget Year APBD. The funds are intended as educational assistance for students from poor families who attend private schools.

The program targets students from families in Desil 1 to Desil 4 categories who are not accommodated in state schools.

However, Iwan reminded that the assistance provided must be able to guarantee the quality of education services at the schools that receive the program.

"Our emphasis must be that there should be no facilities that are less for students on the grounds of adjusting to subsidies. The designated schools must be truly committed to providing standard education facilities and teaching for students," he said.

According to him, private schools that receive subsidy programs should not lower the quality of learning just because they adjust the budget capacity provided by the government.

In addition, Iwan also highlighted the importance of equitable distribution of private schools as partners of the government throughout West Java. He assessed that access to subsidized private schools is still not equitable, especially in the south and remote areas.

"Don't let children's rights to go to school be hampered just because their house is far from a private school that is partnered with the government. The spread of these partner schools must be evaluated in total by the Education Office," he said.

Iwan also asked for the process of determining the recipients of assistance to be carried out transparently and accurately so that the allocated budget is truly enjoyed by the families in need.

"Data recipients must be really valid. Don't let the assistance that should be for the community who are not able to actually enjoy it by those who are actually able," he said.

Furthermore, the West Java DPRD will strengthen the oversight function of the implementation of the subsidy program, including ensuring the timely disbursement of funds to partner private schools.

According to Iwan, the delay in the disbursement of assistance funds has the potential to create new problems for students and parents.

"We in the West Java DPRD no longer want to hear that children are prohibited from taking exams or their diplomas are held by private parties just because the subsidy funds from the Provincial Government are late in being disbursed into the foundation's account. Pity the students and parents, they don't know anything but they are victims of bureaucracy," said Iwan.

He emphasized that the success of the private school subsidy program is not only measured by the number of students who are accommodated, but also by the government's ability to guarantee affordable, quality, and equitable education for all West Java people.