Indonesia's 2026 School Admission Shortfalls Lead to Empty Classrooms and Protests

In Ciamis Regency, West Java, the 2026 Student Admission Selection (SPMB) left 8,846 public elementary school seats vacant, representing about 40% of the district's capacity. Only one student was enrolled at SDN 2 Salakaria, and overall enrollment reached just 60.27% of the available 22,263 seats. Education officials cited low applicant numbers and pledged to improve digital registration and community outreach.

In Lampung Province, residents blocked the access road to SMAN 1 Labuhanratu to protest the SPMB process for the 2026/2027 school year. The blockade was lifted peacefully after school officials removed a bamboo barrier. Local education authorities confirmed the protest ended through dialogue but reiterated that admission must follow existing technical guidelines, and they cannot admit students outside the formal rules.