Partnering with Central LPDP, DKI Matures Special Jakarta LPDP Programme

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is partnering with the central Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) to refine plans for a special Jakarta LPDP programme. “We are in the process of finalising preparations. Bappeda, the Education Office, the Assistant, and the Secretary General are finalising cooperation with the central LPDP,” said DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung at Jakarta City Hall on Monday. Pramono explained that the Jakarta government is partnering with the central LPDP to shorten the timeline for the programme’s realisation. If a separate LPDP institution for Jakarta were established first, the process would take too long. “If we establish the institution in DKI Jakarta, the process would be too lengthy, whereas we hope that next year the LPDP for Jakarta can start distributing funds,” Pramono clarified. Previously, Pramono stated that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government plans to send around 100 students to continue their studies abroad through the LPDP scheme. From that number, Pramono assured there would be special quotas for Betawi children and Jakarta residents. Furthermore, Pramono revealed plans to establish the Jakarta LPDP as a regional scholarship programme that will complement existing education assistance schemes. This programme is expected to serve as a strategic instrument in improving the quality of human resources in the capital. According to him, the Jakarta LPDP will focus on supporting high-achieving students, particularly from the Betawi community, to pursue education up to the highest levels, both domestically and abroad. To date, the DKI Provincial Government has had education assistance programmes such as the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) and the Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU). However, previously, both programmes only covered undergraduate (S1) level education. Now, Pramono assured that the scope of those education aids has been expanded to master’s (S2) and doctoral (S3) levels. For overseas studies, it will still be focused through the LPDP scheme managed jointly with the central government. “Both KJP and KJMU can now be used for S2 and S3. But for overseas, it must go through the LPDP, which will be regulated by the DKI Jakarta Government in cooperation with the LPDP of the Ministry of Finance,” Pramono said. With the Jakarta LPDP and cooperation with the central LPDP, he hopes to open wider opportunities for Jakarta’s young generation to access world-class education, while strengthening the international competitiveness of human resources.