Hearting news comes from the world of basic education. A number of elementary schools (SD) the country in Blora Regency experienced a crisis of students in the new school year 2025/2026. Ironically, Some schools do not even accept any new student registrants. This phenomenon is viral on social media and arouses the concerns of many parties.
In the midst of the boisterous public opinion, The voice of academics was sticking out. Arim Irsyadulloh Albin Jaya, M.Pd., Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK) Khozinatul Ulum Islamic Institute (I AM AWESOME) Blora, spoke up. As an education management expert, He invited all parties to see this problem clearly and in depth.
“This is not just a crisis of registration, But the signal of the big changes that are happening in our society,” Arim said on Tuesday (22 July 2025).
It evaluates, There are at least three roots of problems that are inter -interviewing to cause this condition. First, the impact of the success of the family planning program which resulted in a sharp decline in the number of elementary school age children. "The community is now more aware of having a small family. As a result, the population of elementary school age children shrink. This is a demographic reality that we must accept and respond wisely,” he explained.
Second, changes in middle class orientation which is now more selective in choosing educational institutions. “Many parents are now willing to pay more for quality. They prefer private or superior schools that are considered more ready and superior, compared to conventional state elementary schools,” added Arim.
The third factor is the increasing needs of society for religious -based education. Integrated Islamic Schools and Madrasas are the main alternatives for parents who want general and religious education to go hand in hand. "Schools like that provide spiritual and intellectual comfort in one package,” he added.
Not just patch
See the complexity of this problem, Arim rejects instant solutions. He stressed the importance of adaptive and comprehensive strategies. “We need to be honest in diagnosing problems. If indeed because the number of children is reduced, then the school merger or merger is a logical step that cannot be avoided,"He said firmly.
However, If what is faced is a matter of quality competition, then the main solution is innovation. "SD Negeri can no longer stand in a comfort zone. There must be an increase in quality, both from the curriculum side, service, to a learning approach. Even, when needed, Inserting elements of religious values as a strengthening of the character,"The advice.
Call to rise
At the end of his statement, Arim voiced the hope that all stakeholders between the government, guru, public figure, and parents can work together to rearrange the face of the basic education of the country.
“Don't let our schools be just an empty building without the voices of the children. We have to move together. This is not a matter of registrant number, This is a matter of the future of our generation,"He concluded hopefully.
This student crisis phenomenon is not just a sad story, but also the momentum to clean up. It's time for the basic education of the country to rise, adapt to the times, and re -seize public trust.
Information: Yusron Ridho Nurfatoni
