Free Private Schools Likely to Increase, Pramono Awaits Regional Financial Conditions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has opened the possibility of increasing the number of free schools in Jakarta. However, the plan will be adjusted according to the region’s financial capacity. “I see that everyone is providing absolute support, so hopefully in the future, if Jakarta’s fiscal space can expand, we will definitely add more,” Pramono said at the DKI Jakarta DPRD Building on Thursday (30/4/2026). Meanwhile, all public schools in Jakarta no longer charge education fees. The former Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the education sector is one of the main focuses of his administration along with the DKI Jakarta DPRD. Various programmes are continuously being promoted so that children in Jakarta can continue to receive education. Some programmes that have been running include the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), the Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), certificate waivers, and free private schools. “Hopefully, this will further narrow the opportunities for Jakarta children to not be able to attend school due to inability to afford it,” he said. In addition to increasing the number of schools, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) is also reviewing the expansion of the free school programme to make it more equitable. One option being considered is to include madrasah-based schools in the programme. For information, the DKI Jakarta Pemprov through the Education Office has prepared 103 free private schools spread across five administrative areas of Jakarta. Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Office, Nahdiana, explained that currently 40 schools have already implemented the programme until the end of the academic year. “The free schools that are already running are 40 schools. 40 new schools up to this academic year until June. Then starting in June, the additional ones are 63 schools. So the total is 103 schools,” Nahdiana said when met at Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday (22/4/2026). “The budget allocated for the 103 private schools is Rp253,625,139,600,” Nahdiana added.