Jakarta Legislator Urges Stronger Protection for Underprivileged Students

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has urged the city administration to strengthen protection policies for students from underprivileged families through more targeted assistance schemes. Hardiyanto Kenneth made the call after personally settling the school administration arrears and providing school supplies for a student at SMK Al-Irsyad in Central Jakarta. “I will continue to push the DKI Jakarta government to strengthen protection policies for students from low-income families, starting from the waiver of arrears, free uniforms, to scholarships,” Kenneth said on Monday. He noted that there are still families in Jakarta struggling to meet educational expenses, including school administrative fees and equipment costs. Kenneth said he received a complaint from a resident about a student named Ibrahim, who was in arrears on school fees and lacked proper school supplies. The member of Commission C then used his personal funds to pay the student’s school fees and redeem his uniform so he could continue his studies properly. “After hearing about his condition directly, I decided to help using my salary and allowances. I want the student’s education process to continue without obstacles,” Kenneth stated. He stressed that education is the right of every child and should not be hindered by administrative costs or a lack of school supplies. “When I learned about a student facing difficulties, I felt a moral responsibility to help as much as I could. This assistance is a form of care so they can continue their education calmly and with dignity,” Kenneth said. According to him, concern for access to education cannot be solely the government’s burden. All elements of society also have a responsibility to ensure no student loses the opportunity to learn due to economic limitations. He encouraged the regional government to strengthen protection policies for students from underprivileged families through better-targeted assistance schemes. By doing so, the issue of administrative arrears can be minimised through precise aid mechanisms, as education is a long-term investment for the nation, and every student must be given an equal opportunity to achieve their aspirations. Kenneth also urged the public not to hesitate to report if they find students at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties. “We invite the community not to hesitate to report if they find students who are at risk of not being able to continue their schooling due to economic hardship. As long as I am blessed with sustenance and health, there is room to help, and I will strive to be present using the abilities I have,” Kenneth said. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring no student in Jakarta is hindered from receiving an education due to administrative costs and a lack of school supplies. He believes that the presence of people’s representatives must be felt through real action, especially in helping people facing difficulties.