Commission E and Education Agency Evaluate Free Private School Program

Commission E of the Jakarta City Council together with the Education Agency held a working meeting to discuss the 2025 Jakarta Governor's Accountability Report (LKPJ).

Levies are clearly prohibited

In the meeting, the Head of Jakarta Education Agency, Nahdiana, emphasized that the Free Private School (SSG) program is not permitted to collect any form of fees from students.

KJP and Free School Programs Being Strengthened

She appreciated the legislative input regarding the continued allegations of illegal levies at several schools receiving the program. According to her, the SSG program, initiated by the Jakarta Provincial Government, aims to expand access to education, particularly in areas without state schools.

"Levies are clearly prohibited. Schools are not permitted to collect anything from students. If you find any, please report them and we will follow up," she said.

She explained that this program is still in its first year of implementation. However, the prohibition on fees has been firmly established from the outset, including through commitments agreed to by the schools.

Nahdiana also confirmed that there would be sanctions for schools that violate these regulations. However, she emphasized that the government's primary focus remains on the continuity of educational services for students.

"There will certainly be sanctions. But we must not let the imposition of sanctions lead to neglect of students. Our focus remains on educational services to ensure equal access," she emphasized.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission E of Jakarta City Council, Subki encourages expansion of the Free Private School program after evaluating its implementation in 2025.

He said the number of schools receiving the program is targeted to increase from 40 schools in the previous year to 103 schools in 2026.

"Today we're evaluating. We're improving what's good, and fixing what's not. This includes the SSG program, which expanded from 40 schools last year to 103 schools this year," he said.

While supporting the program's expansion, Subki highlighted indications of ongoing levies at a number of recipient schools. He emphasized that this should not occur, as it contradicts the initial agreement.

"There's already an agreement that free schools are not allowed to charge fees. This program is a great way to help the community, so it must be accompanied by commitment and responsibility," he stated.

He assessed that the funding scheme in the SSG program was actually sufficient to support basic school needs, including teacher training and facilities such as libraries, although it is not yet fully on par with state schools.

Subki encouraged the Education Agency to continue expanding the scope of the program, especially if regional financial conditions allow.

He also hopes that the budget efficiency policy will not impact the sustainability of the free private school program.

"We are optimistic that the regional financial condition will become stronger," he hoped.