Free Private School Programme Boosts Student Numbers and Teaching Enthusiasm
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,JAKARTA – The free private school programme has had a positive impact on several schools in Jakarta. Besides easing parents’ financial burdens, the Jakarta Provincial Government’s initiative has made previously struggling schools popular among the public again.
By 2026, the Jakarta Provincial Government will increase the number of free private schools from 40 to 103, with a total allocated budget of Rp253,625,139,600. Forty continuing private schools will receive funding for 12 months from January to December 2026, while 63 new schools will be funded for six months from July to December 2026.
The free private school programme covers primary, secondary, high school, vocational, and special needs education across all five administrative cities of Jakarta. The policy is part of the Jakarta Provincial Government’s efforts to expand educational access, particularly for economically disadvantaged families.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the free private school programme is one way the Jakarta Provincial Government ensures children receive proper education.
‘Jakarta is seriously allocating funds for free private schools. Hopefully, the Jakarta Provincial Government’s efforts can break the chain of misfortune for less fortunate families,’ he said recently.
Alongside the free private school programme, the Jakarta Provincial Government continues other education assistance such as the KJP Plus, KJMU, and diploma amnesty programme. These policies aim to foster a more advanced Jakarta generation through inclusive and quality education.
Private Schools Regain Popularity
Head of SMK Kesehatan Gapura Merah Putih, Dona Ulfa, said the free private school programme has greatly benefited her school. Located in Jagakarsa District, South Jakarta, it is one of 40 continuing private school recipients.
According to Dona, the most noticeable impact is the increased public interest. Previously, the school struggled to enrol a single class of new students, but now applications have surged.
‘Previously, getting even one class of students was difficult. Now, we have 187 applicants for a quota of just 36,’ Dona told Republika on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
This number is higher than last year, when the school had around 50 applicants. Currently, the school has approximately 108 students divided into three classes.
Dona said the new student admission process remains selective, with health checks, written tests, and interviews as per the health education curriculum. However, all selection processes are free of charge, covered by the free private school programme.
The programme also assists schools in financial management. Dona said the school no longer relies on parents’ delayed tuition payments.
‘Secondly, the school no longer has to wait for funds from parents. Previously, we often had unpaid fees, leading to delayed graduation certificates,’ Dona said.
She added that the programme has also improved teacher welfare. Dona said teachers’ salaries have significantly increased since the programme started.
‘Yes, previously the salaries were low. Even as principal, my salary was only Rp1.2 million. Now, with the free private school programme, Alhamdulillah, I’m finally earning the minimum wage,’ she said.
Besides operational costs and teacher welfare, the programme’s funds are used to improve school facilities. Dona said her school has now fixed previously delayed infrastructure.
‘It has improved significantly. I now have new CCTV cameras, monitors, and carpeted classrooms. The ceiling was previously damaged but has now been renovated,’ she said.
Easing Parents and Schools