“Regarding free schools, we are increasing the number from 40 schools to 100 schools in 2026,” Head of the Jakarta Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) Atika Nur Rahmania said at City Hall on Wednesday.
As a result, the number of private schools included in the free school program will not be reduced, but instead increased to 100 schools.
“Every year, we will continue to add more schools in line with regional fiscal capacity,” she said.
In 2025, the Jakarta provincial government conducted a pilot free school program at 40 private schools. The program covered 4,932 students across 142 study groups, consisting of entry-level classes or new student cohorts.
Despite the increase, Rahmania acknowledged a reduction in the original target for expanding the program this year.
In August 2025, the provincial government had set a target to expand the program to 258 private schools. However, it now plans to include only 100 schools. The reduced target is due to cuts in regional transfer funds.
Initially, Jakarta’s 2026 regional budget was projected at around Rp95 trillion. However, following the reduction in transfer funds, the approved budget stands at Rp81.3 trillion.
Previously, the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Budget Committee urged the provincial government not to reduce the number of private schools participating in the free school program next year.
Jakarta DPRD Budget Committee member Ramli Muhamad said the policy is important to expand access to quality education for children who are not accommodated by public schools.
“The DPRD asks the Education Office and the Budget Team to seek additional funding,” Muhamad said.
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Translator: Lifia, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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