Free Private Schools in Jakarta Accused of Still Charging Fees, Hidden Costs Involved
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A member of the Jakarta DPRD, Justin Adrian Untayana, revealed that his side has received numerous complaints from the public regarding free private schools that still demand additional fees from students or parents.
The findings were discussed in a meeting of Commission E of the Jakarta DPRD with the Jakarta Education Office some time ago.
“It was already discussed in the Commission E meeting with the Education Office. I conveyed many public complaints regarding the behind-the-scenes fees,” said Justin when contacted by Kompas.com on Friday (8/5/2026).
He assessed that if fees are still being collected in the field, the terminology of the programme needs to be reviewed.
“In the end, in the meeting, I asked for an explanation, while offering to change the title to half-free school,” said Justin.
Nevertheless, the Secretary of Commission E of the Jakarta DPRD was not yet willing to disclose the locations of the schools suspected of still collecting fees.
He only mentioned that the findings have been clarified by the Head of the Jakarta Education Office, Nahdiana, and will be followed up.
“It has been clarified by the Head of Education, Mrs Nahdiana, that the reported free private schools will be given warnings and their partnership with the provincial government will be evaluated,” he continued.
On the other hand, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasised that he will take firm action against free private schools that still charge fees, even though they are part of the free school programme.
“If it has already been made free but still charges facilities to students, to pupils, the Jakarta Provincial Government will take decisive decisions for that,” said Pramono when met at the Jakarta Youth and Sports Office (Dispora) Building on Friday.
It should be noted that for the 2026/2027 academic year, the Jakarta Provincial Government has designated 103 private schools to join the free school programme. These schools cover levels from primary school (SD), junior secondary (SMP), senior secondary (SMA), to vocational secondary (SMK).
To ensure the programme runs smoothly, the Jakarta Provincial Government has allocated a budget of Rp253 billion.
The hope is for more equitable access to education, especially for residents from low-income families.
The Jakarta DPRD once requested an increase in the number of private schools included in the free programme.
However, Pramono emphasised that such a decision must be discussed with the DPRD and cannot be determined unilaterally by the local government.
Discussions on the possibility of adding schools will be conducted for the next fiscal year, with decisions still requiring joint agreement between the Provincial Government and the Jakarta DPRD.