Openings limited at state schools

JAKARTA: Not all final year elementary school students will be able to continue their studies at state junior high schools in Greater Jakarta, an official said on Thursday.

The deputy head of the Jakarta Basic Education Agency, Maman Achdiyat, said the city's state junior high schools could only accommodate 85,000 students, while private schools could take at least 65,000.

"This year, at least 140,605 students will graduate from elementary schools and Islamic elementary schools. Considering the limited capacity of junior high schools, only 60 percent of them will be able to enroll in state schools," Maman explained.

He was speaking at a media conference held to announce the student enrollment period for the 2005-2006 academic year.

Enrollment for elementary school opens on July 4 to July 11, while enrollment for a model elementary school established by the agency opens on June 20, Maman said.

"Schools should not ask parents to pay administration fees ... enrollment is free of charge as the Jakarta administration has allocated Rp 8 billion to cover all expenses," he added. -- JP