Students in North Nias grateful for Governor Bobby Nasution’s free schooling program
The free schooling program for high school and vocational school students (SMA/SMK), launched by the Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, has met with a positive response from students. The Nias Islands are the first region to benefit from the program.
Astra Berkat Zalukhu, a student at SMKN 1 Lotu in North Nias, expressed his gratitude for the policy. He stated that the free schooling program is highly beneficial to the community, particularly for families with limited financial means.
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“We are very grateful and happy about this decision. You see, we live in a remote area where many parents face significant financial hardship,” said Astra following Governor Bobby Nasution’s visit to SMKN 1 Lotu in North Nias on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Astra regarded the free schooling program as an exceptional policy that students and parents had long awaited.
Septo Rismanto, another student at SMKN 1 Lotu, echoed these sentiments. He expressed pride in the program initiated by Governor Bobby Nasution, noting that it has eased the burden on parents and motivated students to study harder.
“Thanks to this program, the burden on parents has been reduced, and we have become more enthusiastic about learning,” said Septo.
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Another student, Wilman Elviansyah Nasution, also expressed his appreciation for the free education program.
He hopes that the North Sumatra provincial government will continue to improve facilities at his school to further support the educational process and develop students’ competencies.
During the visit, Governor Bobby Nasution also inspected the construction of two new classrooms at SMKN 1 Lotu, a project funded by a budget of 317 million rupiah.
This construction is part of the North Sumatra provincial government’s efforts to improve the quality of educational facilities and infrastructure.
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Bobby Nasution stated that the benefits of the free school program are not limited to parents; schools also gain greater flexibility to meet various educational needs.
“School fees for secondary and vocational schools on Nias Island are now free. As a result, school principals have more budget available for items such as furniture, additional training areas, and equipment. This allows them to operate with greater flexibility,” said Bobby. ***rel
