Serang, Banten, March 21 -- Banten Governor Andra Soni emphasized that the province's free school program will commence in the new academic year 2025/2026 for new students.

"This free school initiative aims to improve the quality of human resources in Banten Province," Soni said in the provincial government's statement here on Friday.

He explained that the free school program is the provincial government's flagship initiative. Free schooling will be implemented in high schools (SMA), vocational schools (SMK), religious schools (SKh), and Madrasah Aliyah (high school under the Religious Affairs Ministry), both public and private.

Soni stated that currently, 1,200 schools are set to participate in the free education program.

He said thi...