Jakarta to Expand Free Private School Programme to 103 Schools Starting in July 2026

The Jakarta provincial government is continuing its free private school programme. The Head of the Jakarta Education Office, Nahdiana, stated that the number of schools included in the programme will increase in the new academic year.

“We will increase the number. Currently, in 2026, there will be 103 schools. Previously, there were 40 schools (in 2025),” said Nahdiana at the Jakarta Education Office building on Thursday (26/2).

She explained that the 40 free private schools that were implemented earlier were part of the initial phase of the programme in 2025. This scheme follows the academic calendar, which starts every July and ends in June of the following year.

“The 40 schools have been running since 2025. The academic year starts in July, so it will end in June. It will start again in July 2026. So, these 103 schools will start in July 2026,” she affirmed.

The Jakarta Education Office is targeting to complete all administrative processes and school preparations before the start of the new academic year 2026/2027.

The significant decrease comes from the Regional Transfer Fund (TKD).

The Special Committee (Pansus) and the Jakarta Education Office are currently discussing the quality of education. All parties agree that the quality of education in Jakarta should be improved.

The process of issuing the legal framework for the trial and implementation of the free private school programme has been coordinated with the central government.

The Jakarta provincial government is also waiting to see whether a presidential regulation will be needed to strengthen this national policy.

Almost 100% of poor students in Central Java can attend school for free because they are enrolled in state/vocational high schools and private schools that are part of the partnership.