Paying for School with Rubbish: The Story of Parents in Koja, North Jakarta, Educating Their Children Without Spending Money

For some parents, school fees often represent a significant monthly burden. However, in Koja, North Jakarta, there is a different story. Children’s education is instead “paid for” with something often considered worthless: rubbish. At BKB Greens PAUD, parents simply need to submit around two kilograms of rubbish each month in lieu of school fees. Lusi (40), one of the parents, has directly experienced the benefits. Without the obligation to pay school fees in cash, she can redirect her income to other equally important needs. “Alhamdulillah, it’s very helpful. So the monthly money can be used for other needs,” said Lusi when met by Kompas.com on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Interestingly, collecting this “school fee” does not feel difficult. Rubbish that would normally be thrown away is now sought after. Even community solidarity grows from this habit. Lusi recounted that neighbours now often help by collecting used plastic bottles for her child. “If they finish drinking from a bottle, it’s not thrown away. But given to me to help with the child’s school fees,” she said. Behind this system, there is a small change that is gradually shaping new habits, namely sorting rubbish, realising its value, and helping one another. “The school is good, the children are also taught positive things like sorting and disposing of rubbish properly,” she added. To avoid burdening parents, rubbish submissions can be made in instalments.