Commission E Proposes Expanding Free Private School Program to 203 Schools

The Jakarta City Council (DPRD) Commission E has proposed adding 100 schools to the Free Private School (SSG) Program during discussions on the 2027 draft city budget. The proposal would increase the number of participating schools from 103 to 203.

At least by the start of the next school year in July 2027

Commission E member Muhammad Ghozi Zulazmi said the expansion was needed to widen access to education, particularly for prospective students who could not secure places at public schools during the new student admission process (PPDB).

Commission E Pushes for Evaluation of Free Private School Program

The proposed additions comprise 60 private schools, 20 madrasah schools, and 20 special schools (SLBs). Commission E hopes the expansion can be implemented starting in the new school year in July 2027.

"We are making this request because the need is urgent and comes directly from the community. The program needs to be updated so that what was agreed upon during our discussions with the Education Agency can actually be implemented, at least by the start of the next school year in July 2027," he explained on Tuesday (11/10).

Ghozi acknowledged that limited regional fiscal capacity could pose a challenge to implementing the expansion. This is compounded by uncertainty over revenue-sharing funds (DBH) and plans to issue municipal bonds.

Nevertheless, Commission E will bring the proposal to the Jakarta DPRD Budget Committee (Banggar) to push for its inclusion in the 2027 City Budget (APBD).

Ghozi said the expansion would also require regulatory changes, including revisions to gubernatorial regulations and decrees. He noted that schools must be proposed for inclusion in the SSG Program before April, making it necessary to update the existing rules to keep the expansion on schedule.

"Commission E, as the DPRD commission overseeing education, will at least make this one of its recommendations and continue to push for the public interest by seeking to expand the Free Private School Program to 203 schools," he said.