DKI DPRD Reveals There is Still a Toll in Free Private Schools, Disdik Asked to Take Action 

JAKARTA - Chairman of the E Commission of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Muhammad Subki, revealed that there were allegations of extortion at private schools that were included in the free private school program in Jakarta. Subki considered this practice to be in violation of regulations and potentially adding to the burden of parents of students.

"From the beginning there was an MoU, there was an agreement that free schools should not charge," said Subki at the DKI Jakarta DPRD building, Friday, April 24.

According to Subki, all schools that are included in the program have agreed to prohibit additional levies through a memorandum of understanding. Therefore, this commitment must be carried out consistently.

Subki asked the Education Office (Disdik) to immediately follow up on the findings, including giving administrative sanctions to schools that have been proven to collect fees.

"So there should be no more levies, because this program is actually good," he said.

He assessed that the budget prepared by the government was actually enough to support school operations, including the need to improve the quality of education.

"Yes, it is not 100 percent like state schools, but it is part of an extraordinary effort," said Subki.

Even though it highlights violations, Commission E still appreciates the DKI Provincial Government's step in expanding the scope of the program. The number of schools involved is targeted to increase from 40 to 103 schools starting in the new school year.

Subki also reminded that the budget efficiency policy should not affect the sustainability of the program. According to him, the free school program is one of the important efforts in helping people access education.

"I hope that the efficiency that occurs does not interfere with the free private school program," he explained.

It is known that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has increased the budget for the free private school program in line with the increase in the number of recipient schools in the 2026/2027 academic year.

The Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Office, Nahdiana, revealed that in the 2025/2026 school year, the budget for the free school program was allocated around Rp. 107 billion for 40 schools. This year, with the addition of 63 schools or a total of 103 schools, the budget has increased significantly.

"In 2025, it is around Rp. 107 billion. (The 2026/2027 new school year will be 282.4 billion," said Nahdiana at the DKI Jakarta City Hall, Wednesday, April 22.

Nahdiana explained that the budget was used for various operational needs of education, ranging from the cost of student SPP every month to improving the quality of learning.

In addition, funds are also allocated for the development of facilities and infrastructure such as classrooms and libraries, extracurricular activities, to improving teacher competence.

"Then for the implementation of evaluation or assessment, it can also be, and the payment of teachers' salaries and honor," said Nahdiana.

Nahdiana emphasized that the selection of schools refers to the Governor's Regulation Number 34 of 2025 on Education Assistance for Private Education Units. One of the main priorities is private schools located in areas without state schools.