Free schools expected to reduce number of out-of-school children in Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo hopes that the addition of free private schools in Jakarta can reduce the number of children not attending school due to economic issues in the capital. “We are starting now with 103 (schools), hopefully this will increasingly narrow the opportunities for Jakarta children to not be able to go to school because they cannot afford it,” Pramono said when met at the DKI Jakarta DPRD Building on Thursday. He emphasised that education is one of the priorities for the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov). In addition to free schools, Pemprov DKI also runs the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), and certificate waivers. According to Pramono, these programmes represent Pemprov DKI’s commitment to improving education in the capital. “I, together with the DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD apparatus, prioritise education as something very special and important,” Pramono stated. Previously, Member of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Jhonny Simanjuntak, emphasised that the free school programme in the capital must be expanded as a solution so that all children can access education. “One way out is that free private schools must become a priority for Pemprov DKI Jakarta, not just 103 schools,” Jhonny stressed when confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday. In addition, he assessed that the issue of children not attending school is not only about economic conditions but also socio-cultural aspects. According to Jhonny, many parents still do not consider education important, so it needs attention from the DKI Jakarta Education Office. “Really, Pemprov must be proactive in reaching out to the community. The DKI Jakarta Education Office (Disdik) must also conduct outreach to parents that education is important,” Jhonny said. He also hopes that the leadership of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD will soon summon the Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Office to discuss the issue, given that education is an important matter, especially with Jakarta’s status as a global city.