Jakarta Provincial Government Focuses on Evaluation, No Increase in Free Private Schools for 2027

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta Education Department (Disdik DKI Jakarta) has no plans to increase the number of schools in the Free Private Schools (SSG) programme for 2027. Currently, the budgeted number of schools remains at 103. Jakarta Education Department head Nahdiana said the Jakarta Provincial Government is still assessing the programme’s quality and sustainability before increasing the number of schools. ‘Is it possible to increase the number in 2027? In 2025, we started with 40 schools, then added 63 in 2026. Our current 2027 budget remains at 103 schools due to considerations around quality and sustainability,’ Nahdiana stated during a working meeting with the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives’ Commission E on Monday, 25 May 2026. ‘Thus, our current budget remains at 103, and we also aim to refine aspects of the programme where feedback has been received regarding private schools,’ she added. According to Nahdiana, the Free Private Schools programme began with 40 schools in 2025 as the initial phase, then expanded to 103 schools in 2026. ‘For 2025, adjustments were necessary as the regulations we established were still being finalised in November 2025, and payments have since been made,’ she explained. For 2026, Nahdiana said programme funds will be disbursed quarterly to ensure budget certainty. ‘In 2026, the payment scheme will be quarterly, similar to BOP, to provide schools with clarity,’ she said. ‘Recipients of the Free Private Schools programme are prohibited from charging any fees, as clearly stated in the regulations. For instance, during the SPMB admission process, schools cannot collect application fees as these are covered by the free education programme,’ she added. Nahdiana explained the rules ensure all basic educational needs of students are covered under the programme. ‘Any school activities must not incur additional charges. Common complaints we receive from private schools involve fees for activities, admission processes, exams, and other charges—all of which are now strictly regulated, including teacher salaries,’ she said. Nahdiana added that the Jakarta Provincial Government will continue evaluating schools in the programme. ‘If we terminate the programme entirely, where would the students go? The fault lies with the institutions, but the children must not suffer—we must ensure their education is guaranteed,’ she said.