DPRD Reminds DKI Provincial Government To Finalize Budgets To Anticipate Free School Obstacles

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The DKI Provincial Government is still conducting studies to implement free schools in Jakarta, especially the private sector. The DKI Jakarta DPRD reminded that studies must be compiled comprehensively. Member of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Sholikhah, appealed to the Education Office to finalize the budget allocation that will be used for free schools to anticipate if they encounter obstacles to its implementation. "Surely what must be prepared are comprehensive studies in terms of budget, challenges and obstacles that are likely to occur and the positive impact felt by the community and local government," said Solikhah in her statement, Monday, July 22. The implementation of free schools will be regulated in the revision of Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 8 of 2006 concerning the Implementation and Management of Education. Solikhah also encouraged the Formation of Regional Regulations (Bapemperda) together with executives to prioritize discussing the revision of the Regional Regulation on the Implementation and Management of Education. "I support and encourage if in 2025 the revision of the Education Regulation is a priority and in it there is a free school program starting from elementary to high school levels both State and Private," said Solikhah. Separately, Secretary of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Jhonny Simanjuntak, hopes that at least free schools can be run next year. "This is just how we implement it. Whether in 2025 or 2026. Yes, 2025 can be tried as soon as possible. Because this can no longer be carried out too much," said Jhonny to reporters, Wednesday, July 17. Jhonny revealed the reason for his party proposing free schools. So far, the DPRD often receives complaints from underprivileged families, ranging from cases of dropping out of school to diplomas held by private schools because they have not paid tuition fees. "If this happens, it means that the state is ignorant. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also negligent and also does not have a sequence of crisis with the poor," said Jhonny. From this condition, Jhonny saw that the distribution of educational assistance such as the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) had not been able to solve the education problem in Jakarta. Moreover, Jhonny assessed that the DKI Provincial Government was still able to allocate additional budget from the APBD if the KJP funds were diverted to free schools.

"I think with the DKI Jakarta APBD which is more than Rp. 82 trillion, yes, DKI Jakarta I think it can be an example for other provinces, because this is a necessity. With this KJP, it does not solve the problem," he added.