Thursday, 17 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government has allocated more than IDR 49.5 billion for the Free School Program, known as the Program Unggulan Bersekolah Gratis (PUBG), in 2026. The program, which is part of the Governor of North Sumatra's Quick Results Program (Program Hasil Terbaik Cepat/PHTC), benefits 104,426 students at 293 public senior high schools, vocational high schools, and special education schools across 10 regencies and cities.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government is implementing the program to provide the public with better and more affordable access to education. Under PUBG, monthly school fees (SPP) are waived for students at public schools who meet the eligibility criteria established for program beneficiaries.Secretary of the North Sumatra Education Office Terang Dewi Susanti Ujung said her office continues to accelerate the implementation of the program so that students can benefit from the assistance in accordance with the established targets.
"Under the North Sumatra Governor's PHTC program, particularly PUBG, IDR 49,533,330,000 has been disbursed in 2026 to 10 regencies and cities in North Sumatra. The program covers 293 schools with a total of 104,426 students," Terang said during a press conference held by the North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the lobby of the Dekranasda building at the North Sumatra Governor's Office.The regulation provides the legal framework for managing funds to support educational operations, including exemptions from monthly school fees under PUBG. Following the enactment of the regulation, the provincial government also issued a governor's decree determining the beneficiaries and the amount of funding allocated to each recipient.
"Subsequently, as an implementation of the governor's regulation, a governor's decree was issued regarding the amount of PUBG funding allocated to 10 regencies and cities. These include five regions in the Nias Islands and five regions affected by disasters," Terang explained.The program's 10 target regions therefore consist of five areas in the Nias Islands and five regions classified as disaster-affected areas. The allocated funds are intended to support the educational needs of students at participating schools.
The North Sumatra Education Office is not limited to disbursing the funds. The agency also assists schools in preparing activity and action plans related to the use of PUBG funding.The assistance is provided continuously, starting from the submission of required data by schools through to the disbursement of funds. In addition, the North Sumatra Education Office monitors program implementation to ensure that the funds are used in accordance with applicable regulations.
The information sessions are an important part of the implementation process, as schools need to understand the procedures for managing and using the funds provided by the government. Through continuous assistance, the government aims to ensure that schools implement the program properly and in compliance with applicable regulations.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government has also planned to continue the program through 2029. The number of beneficiary regions is expected to be expanded gradually, meaning PUBG will not remain limited to the Nias Islands and disaster-affected areas.In 2027, the provincial government plans to include the western coastal regions of North Sumatra among the program's beneficiaries. The expansion is expected to continue to the eastern coastal regions in 2028. In 2029, the program is scheduled to be extended to the highland regions.
Through this phased expansion, the North Sumatra Provincial Government aims to gradually provide access to PUBG funding for all public senior high schools, vocational high schools, and special education schools across the province."This is expected to ultimately enable all public senior high schools, vocational high schools, and special education schools in North Sumatra to receive the PUBG funding allocated by the governor," Terang said.
"People are very happy because students are no longer burdened with additional costs. Their main responsibility is to attend school, study, and develop their competencies," Basir said.
According to Basir, the waiver of education costs under PUBG can help students continue their daily learning activities without additional financial burdens associated with their education. The government expects the program to allow students to focus more on their studies while developing their skills and competencies.In addition to the free school program, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is strengthening its education-sector measures by improving school infrastructure. These efforts include renovating damaged classrooms and constructing new classrooms.
These measures complement government support for education through both financial assistance and improvements to school facilities. The initiatives are intended not only to reduce the financial burden on students but also to improve the learning environment at public schools.The implementation of PUBG is scheduled to continue through 2029, with the program gradually expanding to additional regions. The North Sumatra Provincial Government considers the program part of its efforts to improve access to education and provide financial support for students in various parts of the province. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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