Pramono Reviews Expansion of Free Private Schools in Jakarta, Including Madrasahs

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated that he is currently reviewing the addition of free private schools to the programme, including madrasahs. He assessed that the free school policy must be implemented fairly across all educational environments. “The main point is that it must be fair for everyone, including madrasahs. Once again, including madrasahs,” Pramono said when met at the DKI Jakarta DPRD Building in Central Jakarta on Thursday (30/4/2026). Pramono emphasised that the education sector is the top priority of his administration alongside the DKI Jakarta DPRD. Various programmes are continuously being promoted, including the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), diploma clearance, and free private schools. “Hopefully, this will increasingly narrow the opportunities for Jakarta children to not be able to attend school due to inability,” he said. He also mentioned strong support from the DKI Jakarta DPRD for education programmes. If the regional financial condition allows in the future, the number of free schools will be increased. Several DKI Jakarta DPRD members raised interruptions to Governor Pramono Anung regarding the free school programme during the plenary meeting discussing the 2025 Accountability Statement Report (LKPJ) at the DKI DPRD Building on Thursday (30/4/2026). One of them, Chair of Commission E of the DKI DPRD from the PKS Faction, Subki, urged that the free school programme also target madrasah-based schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “There are still many schools that need attention from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. Please note, do not forget that in Jakarta there is also education under the coordination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Madrasah,” Subki said. According to him, madrasah students also deserve the same attention because they are equally Jakarta residents who pay taxes. “Do not let this discrimination continue for long. Hopefully, Jakarta’s finances can increase, with free private madrasahs,” he said.