HARIANEXPRESS – State elementary schools across Indonesia report dwindling enrollment for the 2026/2027 academic year, which officially commenced on July 13, 2026. Some schools have recorded as few as three new pupils, while others have admitted none at all.
This low enrollment trend is particularly evident in several regions, with specific data highlighting the severity of the situation. Forty-nine elementary schools in Tulungagung, East Java, admitted fewer than three new pupils. Four of these schools in Tulungagung failed to enroll any new students.
In neighboring Ponorogo regency, SD Nailan state elementary school in Slahung district has not enrolled a new pupil for two consecutive years. This leaves its first and second grades completely empty, though it admitted 13 new pupils for grades three to six this year.
This nationwide decline in student numbers is largely attributed to two main factors: parents’ growing lack of confidence in the public education system and a shrinking school-age population. Local officials have pointed to declining birth rates as a significant contributor to this demographic shift.
“Birth rates have declined,” Rifka said, “which means fewer children graduate from kindergarten.”
Nurhadi, the Nailan village head, explained the specific situation in his area. He clarified that the enrollment shortfall at SD Nailan was not due to inadequate school facilities. Instead, the school is surrounded by other more popular institutions, including religion-based ones.
In Boyolali, Central Java, the Education Agency is actively discussing a plan to merge schools experiencing low enrollment. This initiative aims to maintain the overall quality of education within the region.
