On the Brink of Dropping Out, Ajeng Pursues Nursing Dream Thanks to Free School Programme

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Ajeng, 18, a student at Gapura Merah Putih Health Vocational High School in Ciganjur, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, is grateful for the city’s free private school programme (SSG). The Year 11 student can now receive free vocational nursing education until graduation. “It greatly helps my family’s finances. Money previously spent on school fees can now be allocated to my siblings and household needs,” Ajeng said during an interview at Gapura Merah Putih Vocational High School on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. She had previously been at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints, as her school had not yet implemented the SSG programme when she was in Year 10. Gapura Merah Putih Vocational High School only introduced the SSG programme in mid-2025. The initiative allows students to attend 103 private schools in Jakarta without tuition fees. Ajeng revealed that before the SSG programme, she had to pay Rp300,000 in monthly tuition fees. Ajeng also has a younger sibling attending junior high school. Her mother works as a domestic helper daily, making it difficult to cover household expenses. “Mum already has grandchildren, so household supplies are constantly used up. They’re often depleted. Free school helps us save on expenses,” Ajeng said. “The savings can go towards my sibling’s schooling. We also get rides from my older sibling to school, which saves more,” she added. She is now planning to participate in school internship programmes to secure a position at healthcare facilities after graduation. This will enable her to continue her nursing studies while working.