Free Uniforms, Free Schools, But Private Becomes Heavy PR For The Bukittinggi City Government

BUKITINGGI - The City Government of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, is looking for a financing solution to implement free education in private schools for elementary and junior high schools. This follows the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) which requires the government to make basic education free, both in public and private schools.

Mayor of Bukittinggi Ramlan Nurmatias said that so far primary education in public schools has been free of charge. However, with the Constitutional Court Decision Number 3/PUU-XXII/2024, local governments also need to think about funding schemes for private schools.

"For public elementary and junior high schools, it is free. But after the Constitutional Court's decision, we also have to think about it so that private schools can be free for the community," said Ramlan in Bukittinggi, Antara, Friday, June 6.

Ramlan admitted, if the financing of private education is fully borne by the APBD, it will be a tough challenge for regional finances.

"I think that if all private schools are free, it will be difficult because they have to think about operational costs," he said.

Even so, he emphasized that the Bukittinggi City Government remains committed to the advancement of education. In addition to providing free education in public schools, the city government also distributes school supplies to all students.

"Every student in Bukittinggi gets uniforms, hats, bags, socks, and shoes for free. The value is around Rp. 750 thousand per student," he said.

The Constitutional Court's decision read by Constitutional Justice Enny Nurbaningsih emphasized that basic education without fees is part of fulfilling economic, social and cultural rights (ekosob).

Although not immediately such as civil and political rights, its fulfillment must still be carried out in stages by the state and local governments.