Jakarta Councillor Redeems Orphan's Withheld Certificate, Calls for End to Education Barriers

A member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the PDI Perjuangan faction, Hardiyanto Kenneth, has followed up on public aspirations by helping to redeem the diploma of an orphaned student at SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Jakarta, which had been withheld due to outstanding fees. The move was made to enable the student to apply for jobs and improve his family’s economic situation.

Kenneth stated that every aspiration gathered during the recess period must be translated into concrete action so that the public can truly feel the benefits of having a representative. ‘For some people, a diploma might just be a piece of paper. But for those struggling to find work and improve their family’s livelihood, it is a key to opening the door to a better future,’ he said in a statement on Monday.

The councillor, who also chairs IKAL PPRA LXII Lemhannas RI, emphasised that his responsibility extends beyond merely listening to constituents. He asserted that he is committed to ensuring every piece of public feedback receives a tangible and beneficial follow-up. He hopes the redeemed certificate will serve as a starting point for the student to secure decent employment.

Beyond this individual act of charity, Kenneth stressed that the issue of withheld diplomas cannot be solved by social assistance alone. He called on the Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen education aid mechanisms and build an early detection system for students facing economic hardship. ‘Redeeming diplomas is a short-term solution. The long-term fix requires the government to ensure that no student loses the opportunity to continue their studies or seek work simply because their certificate is held over fee arrears,’ he stated. He concluded by urging the state to guarantee the educational rights of all citizens, ensuring no graduate has to wait years for their diploma while possessing the drive to work and achieve their dreams.