Bandung – Thousands of students in Bandung city, from elementary to senior high school levels, are at risk of being dropped out of school because they cannot afford to buy textbooks, an education official said Thursday.

"They cannot afford to pay their school fees. Many elementary school children have received assistance from the school operational funds but they can't buy their textbooks," said Bandung Education Office head Oji Mahroji in Bandung on Thursday.

Most of those who are unable to buy textbooks are elementary school students, or around 30,000 students, while those from junior high school accounted to around 22,500 students, with the remaining 15,000 from senior high school.

Oji has proposed Mayor Dada Rosada to allocate Rp 23 billion (about US$2.5 million) in municipal funds for the purpose. Students who are likely drop-outs would each receive Rp 200,000 per year.

"We hope the funds, which have been approved by the municipal council, will be disbursed by the end of September so that the students and immediately buy textbooks and not be left behind in their studies," said.