PDIP Prefers APBD For Free Schools Over Free Eating

Illustration. Parents take their children to school. (doc. Setkab)

Member of the PDIP faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Jhonny Simanjuntak, admitted that he prefers the APBD to be allocated for free school programs rather than free meals for students in Jakarta.

According to Jhonny, free school facilities for both public and private in Jakarta are more needed. Given, this is the foundation for the development of education for students. Moreover, the free school program has been approved by all factions in the DKI DPRD.

"We have to see the strength of our APBD, because the free school divides the views of all members of the DPRD faction, Commission E, that's something that is certain, don't wait anymore. It's basically there," Jhonny told reporters, Thursday, September 12.

Jhonny admitted that he had no problem if the government ran the free meal program. Moreover, this is a mainstay program in the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government in the 2024-2029 period.

However, Jhonny asked the DKI Provincial Government to recalculate regional financial capacity if the free meal program at school was allocated from the APBD.

"Yes, as long as it is for the benefit of the people, what people we do not support. But no matter what, don't take a big stake from a pole," said Jhonny.

"Actually, if we look at the Jakarta APBD, if we want to be honest, we can afford the welfare of the community. This is only a matter of political will. The government's political desire is how to regulate our budget posture," he added.

The DKI Provincial Government has now conducted a free trial of food which is expected to grow and develop children, as well as improve their learning achievements. The free nutritious food program will start in 2025.

The trial program has been running for approximately one month targeting students in elementary schools (SD) and junior high schools (SMP) with varying food menus. Meanwhile, the free food trial at high school will be conducted next week.

During the trial, free food financing in schools used the operational allowance of the Acting Governor of DKI Heru Budi Hartono and also funds for DKI Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD).

Unlike Prabowo-Gibran's idea of budgeting meals for each portion of Rp. 15,000, the DKI Provincial Government allocates food per portion at a price of Rp. 20,000 to Rp. 25 thousand.

For example, the free meal menu during the trial at SMPN 03 Manggarai is rice, beef teriyaki (the food made from beef with a mixture of Japanese teriyaki sauce), salad vegetables, and bananas. There are 1000 boxes of food available at a price per box of IDR 25,000.