Jakarta LPDP Scholarship Programme Must Not Disrupt Education Social Assistance Budget
Jakarta — The secretary of Commission E of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament (DPRD DKI Jakarta), Justin Adrian Untayana, has urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to ensure that its proposed Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP) scholarship programme does not disrupt other social assistance budgets, particularly within the same sector.
“The Jakarta Provincial Government must ensure that its budget is available and will not disrupt the distribution of other social assistance,” said Justin in Jakarta on Monday.
According to him, the Jakarta Provincial Government currently provides education-focused social assistance to students and undergraduates in Jakarta through two programmes: the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP Plus) and the Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU).
Both programmes, Justin noted, have helped communities, particularly those with limited means, to access free education.
For this reason, Justin expressed hope that the proposed Jakarta LPDP programme, set to launch in 2027, will not interfere with existing initiatives.
Justin added that he supports the establishment of a Jakarta LPDP programme, provided it does not reduce funding or budgets for education-focused social assistance programmes already running effectively.
“The key point is that the LPDP programme from the Jakarta Provincial Government should not cut into these existing social assistance programmes,” he said.
Earlier, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo announced that the Jakarta Provincial Government’s version of the LPDP scholarship programme is targeted to begin operations in 2027.
“One of the things I really want to launch is having a Jakarta LPDP. Is it possible? I am confident it is,” said Pramono during a gathering and iftar meal with officials from the Jakarta Provincial Education Office and school principals at the Jakarta Provincial Education Office headquarters on Thursday, 26 February.
“Three days ago, I was accompanied by Nahdiana (Head of the Jakarta Provincial Education Office) when I received the director or the highest-ranking official at LPDP, Dwi Larso. We have already begun more detailed discussions,” Pramono added.