Pram confident Jakarta can become education "role model" in Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo is convinced that Jakarta can become a “role model” in educational assistance and improvement across Indonesia. “I am confident that Jakarta can become a role model for education in Indonesia,” Pramono stated after the National Education Day (Hardiknas) ceremony at Jakarta City Hall on Monday. Pramono emphasised that education programmes remain a top priority in Jakarta. Indeed, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has increased the number of free private schools this year to 103 institutions. In addition, other supporting education programmes in Jakarta, such as the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), and diploma fee waivers, continue to be implemented. “We are committed to making private schools free, covering 103 private schools in Jakarta. KJP, KJMU, diploma waivers, and school infrastructure improvements remain Jakarta’s top priorities,” he explained. Pramono also mentioned the possibility of adding more free private schools if the budget allows. “Hopefully, in the future, if the Jakarta DPRD’s fiscal space permits an increase, we will definitely add (more free private schools),” he said. Furthermore, Pramono indicated that in the future, they could include private schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, namely madrasahs. Currently, his administration is also working to enable Jakarta’s children to pursue free education abroad through a special Jakarta LPDP programme. The hope is that these programmes will enhance education and help reduce the Gini ratio in the capital. To date, the economic inequality index or Gini ratio in the capital has decreased from 0.441 to 0.423.