The growing number of public elementary schools (SD Negeri) receiving only a handful of new students has once again drawn attention at the start of the 2026/2027 academic year. In many regions, student enrollment falls well below the schools’ available capacity. This raises an important question: Are public schools being left behind, or is Indonesia facing broader demographic shifts and new challenges in the provision of primary education?

Drawing on data-driven analysis, PSPK shows that the issue is far more complex than competition between public and private schools. Declining numbers of primary school-aged children, excess school capacity, parents’ school preferences, and student learning outcomes all need to be considered holistically before determining the most appropriate policy response.

What, then, should be done to ensure that public elementary schools remain the foundation of high-quality and equitable education for every child? Read PSPK’s full analysis to explore the underlying causes of this phenomenon and discover evidence-based policy recommendations for revitalizing public elementary schools in Indonesia.