Ganjar Opens Extortion Complaint Service, Affirms State Schools In Central Java Are Free

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

Central Java (Central Java) Governor Ganjar Pranowo again gave an appeal to the entire community regarding the complaint channel to prevent illegal levies (extortion) in the school environment.

Ganjar said that residents who find extortion for students at SMA, SMK, and SLB Negeri can report via Whatsapp [phone], or through the Instagram account @pdkjaateng or via LaporGub!

"(Pungli) has been handled. The regulation has been around for a long time, so if nothing keeps it away (extortion) then I will take action," said Ganjar, met in Lerep Village, West Ungaran District, Semarang Regency on Friday, July 14.

Based on LaporGub data! total levies in schools per district and city from January 1 to July 10, 2023, as many as 284 complaints.

Of the total complaints, 152 complaints have been processed, as many as 69 are in the verification stage, 45 are in progress, 17 complaints are in the spam category and 1 complaint has not been answered.

Ganjar explained that several levies categorized as extortion included building money, SPP, infaq, tourism, graduation and types of levies in any form.

Uniform procurement can only be carried out independently by students, parents and guardians of students. School uniforms are not allowed through educational units, school cooperatives, teachers, organizations, school institutions, the appointment of shops or associations.

Referring to the extortion case found by Ganjar by SMK Negeri 1 Sale Rembang, many parties immediately appreciated Ganjar's attitude and assertiveness.

This can be seen from the number of Instagram viewers on Ganjar's personal account regarding his post regarding the findings of the extortion, which amounted to more than 7 million.

The governor of Central Java for two periods also emphasized that all school fees for SMA, SMK and SLB in Central Java are free and there are no fees.

"I don't think so, there should be no levies, people use other terms infaq. Don't, don't be like that, I'll tell you that," said Ganjar.

Ganjar added, schools that are short of costs related to learning activities as well as construction or improvement of school facilities and infrastructure, can apply for assistance to the Central Java Provincial Government.

Not only that, Ganjar also mentioned that the cost of education needs in schools can be obtained in many ways without having to burden students, parents of students and guardians of students.

For example, said Ganjar, the underbursement funds from school alumni can be an alternative for the school in seeking funds.

"We can plan without having to burden students. So one of them used to be creative schools, he asked alumni. Those are ways we can do," said Ganjar.