Cyril Raoul Hakim, a special staff member to the Jakarta Governor, said that the funds come from the 2025 regional budget (APBD), with a supporting governor regulation expected to be finalized within the next two months.
"The legal drafting process is still ongoing at the Education Department and the Legal Bureau," he said in a statement issued on Thursday.
During a plenary session at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) on Wednesday, the provincial government officially proposed revisions to the 2025 APBD.
In his address, Deputy Governor Rano Karno announced that the revised 2025 APBD would total Rp91.86 trillion (US$5.62 billion) — a 0.57 percent increase from the previously approved Rp91.34 trillion.
Jakarta’s free private school program began alongside the start of the new academic year, despite the supporting regulation still being finalized.
Taga Radja Gah, secretary of the Jakarta Education Department, confirmed that the initiative moved forward after consultations with selected private schools.
"We didn't want children to miss out on schooling while waiting for the regulation to be finalized," he said. “That's why we reached a mutual agreement with the schools."
Taga said all 40 participating schools agreed to begin implementing the program, although formal payments will be made after the regulation is enacted.
"This is a genuine example of collaboration between the local government and the community. The program specifically targets areas currently lacking access to public schools," he emphasized.
Related news: Over 2 million ride trains during school holiday in Jakarta: KAI
Related news: Orientation begins at Jakarta's Sekolah Rakyat tuition-free schools
Translator: Lifia, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
