PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is committed to providing adequate education services for the economically disadvantaged. The introduction of the Affirmative Action for Students at Risk of Continuing Education (RMP) pathway in the 2026 New Student Admissions System (SPMB) is a response to this, as every school-age child has the right to receive an education.

The 2026/2027 Bandung City Elementary and Junior High School Entrance Examination (SPMB) registration phase 1 for the Affirmative and Achievement pathways is currently underway. Registration will open online from June 8-12, 2026, at spmb.bandung.gi.id.

Previously, on May 4, 2026, data collection for RMP Affirmative Placement was opened for elementary school students registered in the Basic Education Data (Dapodik). Then, screening was conducted based on the DTSEN deciles 1-5, and then offered to parents, with a quota of 20 percent of the total 30 percent Affirmative pathway quota, while 10 percent was non-placement (online) Affirmative.

The Head of the Bandung City Education Office, Asep Saeful Gufron, explained that Bandung Mayoral Regulation Number 25 of 2026 concerning Educational Assistance for Students at Risk of Continuing Education has several objectives. First, to realize equitable and high-quality educational development. Second, to reduce the burden of educational costs for RMP students.

"So, the RMP program represents the Bandung City Government's commitment to educational services. Underprivileged residents are still given the opportunity to receive an equal education in both public and private schools," said Asep on Wednesday (June 10, 2026).

The Head of the Education Office stated that a budget of Rp36 billion had been disbursed to 191 schools or 17,775 RMP elementary and junior high school students in Bandung City in May 2026. The operational assistance was used to replace SPP and DSP while at the school.

"Parents don't need to worry, those who pass the RMP Affirmative pathway at private schools will receive operational assistance to replace SPP and DSP while at the school," he explained.

Of course, Asep continued, prospective new students through the RMP affirmative pathway for junior high school who failed the selection process at the four school options still have the opportunity to choose a private school with an open RMP quota. This will be done after the announcement of the first phase of the SPMB.

The funds disbursed to private schools are for operational assistance for one year and can be renewed the following year. Therefore, RMP students still registered in the DTSEN or categorized as RMP will continue to receive this assistance while at the school.

"Ladies and gentlemen, don't worry. The most important thing is to continue your education, whether in a public or private school. Our commitment is to realize equitable and high-quality educational development. We also aim to reduce the burden of educational costs for RMP students," he said.

For your information, the Bandung City Government, through the Education Office, has disbursed Rp36,356,420,400 in educational assistance for the 2026 Rawam Continuing Education (RMP) program. This assistance represents a commitment to supporting the right to education for Bandung residents.

One of the parents of RMP students, Desi, expressed her gratitude to the Bandung City Government for providing educational assistance through the RMP program.

"For me, especially as a parent with four children, and thank God, all of them received RMP assistance. My children can go to school like other children. As a parent, I'm just a small trader, and my father is a travel driver, so my children can still go to school. They receive assistance with shoes, books, uniforms, and bags, so my children can get a decent education," said Desi on Wednesday (June 10, 2026).

As a parent, he hopes that the RMP program can help Bandung residents who are economically in deciles 1-5, so that their children can continue their higher education.

"I thank you very much for your assistance. I hope this program can continue," he said.

Meanwhile, the principal of Kemala Bayangkari Elementary School, Hesti Febriati, expressed her gratitude for the RMP assistance, which has enabled it to be allocated to eligible students. This operational assistance is intended to improve school facilities so that students feel safe and comfortable during teaching and learning activities.

"We hope that this RMP assistance will continue because its benefits for both the school and the RMP students are already very visible," explained Hesti in Bandung.

Furthermore, all school principals receiving RMP funds are firmly requested to carefully consider and implement the funds in accordance with the regulations. "Guard this trust and maintain trust, as this assistance is intended for Bandung City residents in need. " (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)