DKI Continues to Prioritise Education Sector Amid Global Challenges

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to continuing to place the education sector as a priority amid global challenges and regional fiscal adjustments. “Education is the path to opening opportunities, expanding hopes, and preparing a much better future for Jakarta’s young generation,” said Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Rano Karno, while opening the Orientation Forum for New Recipients of the Kartu Jakarta Mahasiswa Unggul (KJMU) Phase II at Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka (UHAMKA) in Ciracas, East Jakarta, on Friday. Therefore, amid various global challenges, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government continues to place education as the top priority, one of which is through the continuity of the Kartu Jakarta Mahasiswa Unggul (KJMU) programme. In 2026, the KJMU programme will reach 16,979 students in the first phase and 16,920 students in the second phase at various universities in Jakarta. According to Rano, KJMU not only helps students complete higher education but also encourages personal development, builds self-confidence, and prepares the young generation to face future competition. “This opportunity must be maintained with a spirit of learning, integrity, and care for the surrounding environment. Utilise this orientation forum as a space for learning, building networks, exchanging experiences, and strengthening solidarity among KJMU recipients,” he said. Even though Jakarta’s Regional Budget has decreased by nearly Rp15 trillion, he continued, the education and health sector budgets remain maintained. For the KJMU programme, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has allocated nearly Rp399 billion. Meanwhile, the budget for the Kartu Jakarta Pintar (KJP) reaches nearly Rp3.4 trillion for around 700,000 pupils. “Jakarta’s Regional Budget has decreased by nearly Rp15 trillion, but the education and health budgets will never be reduced. This is a form of our commitment to ensuring that access to education remains safeguarded,” said Rano. He hopes that all KJMU recipients can complete their studies on time and make the best use of their educational opportunities. In addition to KJMU, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also running a diploma waiver programme for residents who face obstacles in collecting their diplomas due to economic limitations. To date, nearly 7,000 diplomas have been waived.