Jakarta DPRD Commission E held a discussion on the General Budget Policy and Temporary Budget Priorities (KUA-PPAS) for APBD 2025. In the meeting, discussions made regarding the implementation of free schools.

I think that is a priority

Jakarta DPRD Commission E Chairman, Muhammad Thamrin, said the implementation of the free school program refers to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Jakarta Education Agency (Disdik) at the end of August 2024.

"I think that Commission E today should refer to Commission E of the previous period which already has an MoU with the Disdik," he expressed, at City Council Building, Thursday (10/24).

He hoped that the implementation of the free school program would not be conducted by eliminating the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) Plus assistance program. Moreover, the Jakarta Government would also receive Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH) from the central government.

"I think that is a priority," he added.

The same statement also came from Jakarta DPRD Vice Chairman, Agustina Hermanto or called Tina Toon.

She wanted the free school policy not to eliminate educational assistance through KJP Plus and the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU).

"Free schools are indeed what we hope for, but without shutting down KJP and KJMU. Moreover, the Jakarta Government has Revenue Sharing Funds from the central government," she explained.

Jakarta Disdik Acting Head, Purwosusilo explained the implementation of free state and private schools still needs to wait for the revision of Bylaw Number 8/2006 on Education System.

"There must be regulations. So, while preparing, there is still running from November, December, January to July, we complete the regulations," he explained.

According to him, the Disdik itself has conducted a study on the implementation of the free school program. Starting from the amount of budget needed, school criteria to the budget distribution and accountability scheme.

He went on to say that the Disdik also wants to ensure that all Jakarta residents can get quality education.

Besides getting free school, through the KJP Plus assistance program, it can help meet students' school equipment needs.

"With KJP, there are personal costs, there are tuition fees. If the school is free, the tuition fees are certainly not, that's why the principle is like that. The school will be facilitated by the provincial government, the personal must also be considered," he said.