DBH Cut Rp15 Trillion, DPRD Warn Pramono to be Careful in Wacanakan LPDP Jakarta

JAKARTA - The discourse of DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung rolling out a 'LPDP' scholarship program specifically for Jakarta has reaped notes from the DPRD. Secretary of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Justin Adrian Untayana, reminded that the policy should not burden the APBD in the midst of cutting the revenue sharing (DBH) of around Rp. 15 trillion.

Justin said the idea of sending Jakarta children to study abroad was a positive step. However, according to him, the current fiscal condition of the region cannot be ignored.

"That there is a discussion to send some of our best children to continue their studies abroad is good. In addition to helping the children achieve their dreams, but it is hoped that the children can also bring home their new knowledge to build Jakarta," said Justin, Thursday, February 26.

He assessed that the cut in DBH of around Rp15 trillion made the room for maneuver of the Regional Budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year (APBD) more narrow. In this situation, the DKI Provincial Government is asked to prioritize the basic needs of the community.

"However, the DKI Provincial Government must also realize that we are in a very limited and difficult condition. Therefore, the discourse of providing 'LPDP' scholarships abroad also needs to be adjusted to these conditions," said Justin.

Justin emphasized the clarity of the budget source as the key so that the new program does not interfere with other more urgent spending positions.

"In the future, it must be clear where the budget for all of this is coming from. Don't let this make the DKI Provincial Government even more difficult to meet the basic needs of the community such as social assistance in all forms," he continued.

Apart from fiscal issues, Commission E also reminded that the overseas scholarship program should not undermine the existing education assistance, such as the Smart Jakarta Card (KJP) Plus and the Outstanding Jakarta Student Card (KJMU).

According to Justin, both programs target a wider group of people and directly touch the educational needs of Jakarta residents.

"Especially for social assistance in the field of education, namely KJP Plus and KJMU. In line with the 'LPDP' scholarship that has been given, social assistance must also be continued effectively. And don't let there be reductions in either the number of quotas or the amount of benefits that can have an impact on the community," he said.

Previously, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung emphasized that he would still prepare the 'LPDP' scholarship program version of the DKI Provincial Government, even though it was affected by the DBH cuts from the central government.

"So for the Jakarta LPDP, actually yesterday if there was no DBH cut of up to Rp15 trillion, we would have run it. Now, we have prepared for that," said Pramono, Thursday, February 19.

Pramono emphasized his desire for students who excel from Jakarta to have access to education abroad through a scheme prepared by the local government.

"But, I really want that the children of Jakarta who have good schools can study abroad through the LPDP program prepared by the DKI Jakarta government. I will realize it," he said.