Total Budget for Free Private School Program in Jakarta Reaches IDR 2.3 Trillion

Deputy Chairperson Of DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD Ima Mahdiah/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Regional Representative Assembly (DPRD) Ima Mahdiah said the total budget needed for the free private school program which is planned to start in July 2025 is IDR 2.3 trillion.

"That (free private school budget) is IDR 1.6 (trillion)," said Ima as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, November 7.

However, she said, there is an additional IDR 700 billion for assistance in the form of uniforms and books.

"But it must be used for uniforms and school equipment. So we prioritize school needs," she said.

Ima said that the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) was often misused by parents of students. For example, to pay for motorcycle installments or for other things outside of students' school needs.

Therefore, the mechanism for providing assistance for underprivileged students will continue to be evaluated so that similar things do not continue to happen.

"It is paid directly (assistance for student needs). It's just that the mechanism is still being evaluated. But if I may suggest, keep using the card, the money is allocated," she said.

According to her, the provision of assistance will be monitored. "If suddenly the ATM transaction is used for something else, that should be a signal," she said.

Previously, Acting Head of the Jakarta Education Office (Disdik) Purwosusilo explained that the free private school program not only finances the Education Development Contribution (SPP) but also the personal needs of students.

"Financing by the government for children who attend private schools consists of SPP, initial fees, or money when entering a certain level," he said.

Then the cost of learning activities according to a certain rate based on the results of the study.

"Then the fulfillment of basic education for students in the form of uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery as needed," said Purwosusilo.