Klaten and Sleman districts in Indonesia address school costs and low enrollment

The Klaten regency government plans to launch a free uniform programme for new public elementary and junior high school students, targeting implementation in 2027. Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo said the initiative aims to ease families' financial burden and encourage enrollment, noting, "Iya, kami mulai dari yang menjadi kewenangan kami, yakni SD dan SMP negeri. Anggarannya tentu tidak kecil."

In neighbouring Sleman regency, public primary schools face severe under‑enrollment. Data from the district education office show that about 21% of its 374 state elementary schools attracted fewer than ten new pupils this year, with some schools receiving only one student. "Memang ada sekolah yang jumlah pendaftarnya sangat sedikit, bahkan hanya satu siswa," said education official Rira Meuthia. Officials attribute the shortfall to remote locations and competition from private schools.

Both districts are confronting challenges in ensuring access to affordable education and maintaining school utilisation rates.