PORTALJABAR, BOGOR CITY - The Bogor City Government (Pemkot) facilitated 544 students to participate in a free education program through the Community Learning Activity Center (PKBM) in the context of the 544th Bogor Anniversary (HJB).

Deputy Mayor of Bogor, Jenal Mutaqin, said that the program is part of the Bogor City Government's efforts to reduce the school dropout rate and achieve a Bogor City with zero school dropouts.

This was conveyed by Jenal after attending the PKBM Celebration at the East Bogor District Office, Jalan Raya Pajajaran, Wednesday (20/5/2026).

According to him, this activity is also part of strengthening the Smart Bogor program to expand public access to education.

Jenal revealed that the school dropout rate in Bogor City remains quite high, reaching around 10,000 children. This data is still being verified with the data center and the regional government.

"Through this activity, we are trying to encourage PKBM to collaborate in providing educational solutions for the community," he said.

He ensured that all accepted students could attend education for free until they obtained a diploma, as long as they were still of productive school age, under 24 years old.

"As many as 544 students were accepted to register for PKBM today and are guaranteed free access until they receive their diplomas," he stressed.

Jenal also appreciated all PKBM that have supported the Bogor City Government's education program through cross-sector collaboration.

"Building a city cannot be done alone; it requires collaboration from all parties to make Bogor more advanced and more organized," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of East Bogor District, Uay Sutiawan, explained that the program is intended for students who have dropped out of school or have never attended school through Package A, equivalent to elementary school, Package B, equivalent to junior high school, and Package C, equivalent to high school.

In addition, students are also given the freedom to choose the PKBM that is closest to their residence to make it easier to access education.

"We ensure that from start to finish, this education is free for citizens who are still of school age," said Uay.

(Bogor City Communications and Information Service/bhf)