Jakarta Legislator Redeems Orphan's Diploma to Enable Job Applications

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI) from the PDI Perjuangan faction, Hardiyanto Kenneth, has redeemed the diploma of an orphaned student at SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Jakarta, which had been withheld due to financial constraints. The move was made so the student could immediately use the diploma to apply for jobs and improve his family’s economic condition. “This is a follow-up to the aspirations we gathered during the recess period. The diploma had been held back and was urgently needed for job applications,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Monday. Kenneth stated that every aspiration received during recess must be realised through concrete action so the public can truly feel the benefit of having elected representatives. He noted that for some, a diploma might be just a piece of paper. However, for those struggling to find work, it is an essential requirement to open up opportunities for a better life. “Therefore, every child of the nation must have access to their right to education without being hindered by economic conditions,” Kenneth said. He expressed hope that the assistance in redeeming the diploma would serve as a starting point for the student to secure decent employment and thereby improve the family’s welfare. “I hope the diploma that has been received can pave the way for the individual to get a decent job, improve the family’s well-being, and achieve a brighter future,” he said. Kenneth believes the issue of withheld diplomas cannot be resolved through social action alone; a policy is needed to prevent similar cases from recurring in Jakarta. According to him, education is the right of every child. He therefore stressed that no student should lose the opportunity to continue their schooling, attend university, or seek employment simply because their diploma is being held due to outstanding fees. “We are here today not only to help redeem a diploma, but also to ensure that this problem does not keep repeating itself in Jakarta,” he said.