Free School Programme Eases Cee Kee’s Worries: 'Mama Can Save for My University'

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Jakarta Provincial Government’s free private school programme is helping to ease the economic burden on students’ families. This is evident for Cee Kee Gee Galida, a Visual Communication Design (DKV) student at Sint Joseph Vocational High School in Central Jakarta. Cee Kee admitted to previously worrying about education costs before her school joined the free private school programme. ‘It’s been a huge relief—everything is free, from facilities to activities,’ Cee Kee said during an interview at her school on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Prior to the programme, Cee Kee had been concerned about school fees, particularly as she chose a private school known for high costs. She also understood her mother’s struggle to cover family expenses and her older sibling’s university fees. ‘I felt sorry for her because earning tens of millions isn’t easy,’ she said. Now, that burden has lessened. Cee Kee said her mother can now start saving as the school fees, previously paid out of pocket, are now covered by the programme. ‘So Mama can save for my university,’ she added. She spends much of her time in the DKV practice room editing videos and designing posters. ‘I prefer focusing on video editing and poster design,’ she said. She noted that since the school was selected for the free programme, the available facilities have greatly helped her develop her skills.