Govt allocates Rp 60b for private vocational schools

Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Ministry of National Education has allocated Rp 60 billion (US$7.06 million) in grants for hundreds of private vocational high schools this fiscal year in an attempt to improve their capabilities and facilities.

The ministry's director of technical and vocational education, Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, said on Monday that between 600 and 900 private vocational schools would each receive between Rp 50 million and Rp 100 million in cash.

A recipient school would be required to use the grant to build three new classrooms, said Gatot. However, if a school had enough classrooms, the money could be used to buy more facilities to help students improve their skills, he added.

"Each school has to declare its commitment to admitting at least 72 new students in the next academic year in exchange for the grants," said Gatot.

To be eligible for a grant, a private vocational school must have between 200 and 500 students and a school committee, and have graduated at least two classes. The grants would not be available for schools that have received funding from other institutions.

"A school with less than 200 students can collaborate with another small school to submit one proposal," said Gatot.

The schools that receive the grants, and their umbrella organizations or local administrations are also required to provide matching funds equal to the amount of the grants to ensure the success of the project.

"They should be committed to providing the funds and will have up to two years to fulfill their commitment," Gatot said.

Interested vocational schools should submit their proposals to the provincial education agencies by June 15. The verification and selection process will be conducted in July by a team that will include representatives of education offices at the provincial and regental levels, and private vocational schools. The results, set out in table form, would be posted on the relevant provincial education office's website.

The grants will be awarded to a those schools with the highest rankings by August, said Gatot.

There are some 3,900 private vocational high schools across the country.

"We hope to be able to provide grants for all the schools within five years," Gatot said.