Upcoming Review: Jakarta Education Chief Says Free Private Schools Must Not Levy Any Fees

Head of Jakarta’s Education Department, Nahdiana, stated that the review is being conducted as the free school programme is still in its first year of implementation. The Jakarta provincial government aims to streamline on-ground execution, including monitoring of participating schools. ‘Our budget for 2027 remains at 103 schools, considering quality and sustainability. We also aim to refine aspects where feedback has been received, particularly regarding private schools,’ Nahdiana said during a working meeting with the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives’ Commission E on Monday, 25 May 2026. Nahdiana highlighted public feedback and complaints about fees charged at free private schools. She noted that issues such as school activity costs and admission fees are under scrutiny by the Jakarta Education Department. ‘Last week’s meeting discussed whether the programme is fully or partially free. We aim to improve monitoring in this regard,’ she added. She stressed that schools receiving the free school programme are prohibited from levying any fees on students. This is explicitly stipulated in the programme’s regulations. ‘Free private school recipients must not charge anything. The regulations clearly state, for example, that during SPMB, no forms can be charged as the free school fee includes admission costs,’ Nahdiana emphasised. She explained that the free school funding covers all operational needs, including teacher salaries and student activities. Therefore, schools are not permitted to request additional fees from parents. ‘So, activities for children can no longer be charged. Common complaints we receive from private schools involve fees for activities upon entry, exams, and other charges—such as denying exams due to unpaid fees,’ she clarified. Nahdiana explained that the free school programme was piloted in 2025 across 40 private schools, expanded to 103 in 2026, and will remain at that number in 2027 pending a comprehensive review. ‘The 2026 implementation begins in July, with 103 schools. As the first year has been delayed, we have yet to fully gather evaluation feedback,’ she said. In addition to ensuring no fees are charged, the Jakarta Education Department is also assessing the quality of participating schools. Nahdiana stated that funding levels will be adjusted based on each school’s performance.