East Java officials address rising school fees and mandatory outing costs

Authorities in East Java are addressing concerns regarding high educational costs and unauthorized levies in schools. In Sidoarjo, Regent Subandi has ordered a comprehensive evaluation of Outing Day Learning (ODL) activities in elementary and junior high schools, both public and private.

Subandi's intervention follows complaints from parents regarding ODL costs reaching millions of rupiah, such as trips to Yogyakarta or Malang. He emphasized that schools should choose closer, more affordable destinations to avoid placing a financial burden on families during difficult economic times. He further instructed that schools must not mandate specific transportation providers or force high-cost activities.

Simultaneously, Deni Wicaksono, Vice Chairman of the East Java Regional House of Representatives, has called for investigations into alleged illegal levies across the province. He urged the East Java Education Office to look beyond administrative clarifications and examine the actual mechanisms of fund collection and usage. This follows reports of building fees and monthly tuition disputes at SMKN 1 Mojoagung in Jombang, where parents questioned the lack of official receipts and the necessity of certain payments.