West Jakarta Education Office Calls for Cross-Sector Support to Realise Quality, Inclusive Education

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The West Jakarta Education Sub-Department II has asked for cross-sector support to realise quality, child-friendly and inclusive education.

The call comes in response to the problem of children not attending school or dropping out in the West Jakarta area.

“Various factors, such as a family’s socio-economic condition, civil administration matters and even health issues, are causing children to lose access to education,” said Muhammad Arif Rachman, Head of the West Jakarta Education Sub-Department II, when contacted in Jakarta on Monday.

Arif stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration as well as parental involvement so that children do not drop out of school and continue their education.

“No child in Jakarta should lose their right to education, and their future, because of problems we can actually solve if we work together. When one child successfully regains their right to education, that is a success for all of us,” he said.

He said the Education Sub-Department had completed the New Student Admissions System (SPMB) for the 2026/2027 academic year, to be followed by a five-day School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) from 13 to 17 July 2026 under the theme ‘Friendly MPLS’.

“We want all prospective students to have a positive experience when entering their school environment. We want schools to be safe and comfortable places, free from bullying, violence, hazing and discrimination,” he said.

He noted that success in education is not solely the responsibility of the Education Department, but requires the support of all elements of society.

“Technically, education is indeed the responsibility of the education sector. But true educational success is the responsibility of teachers, parents and the community,” he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as of July 2026, the number of children out of school or having dropped out in West Jakarta stands at 20,890 at primary school level and 32,229 at junior secondary school level.

At the regional level, the number of children dropping out of school in the area has fallen by approximately 67.97 per cent.