“We are starting now with 103 (schools), and hopefully, this will further reduce and narrow the chances of Jakarta’s children being unable to go to school due to financial difficulties,” Anung said at the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building on Thursday.
In addition to free schooling, the Jakarta Provincial Government rolls out the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), the Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), and the school diploma release program.
According to the governor, these programs reflect the provincial government’s commitment to improving education in the city.
“Together with the Jakarta DPRD, we prioritize education as a very specific and important matter,” he said.
Previously, Jakarta DPRD Commission E member Jhonny Simanjuntak stressed that free school program coverage must be expanded, in response to data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education showing that out-of-school children in North Jakarta have reached more than 22,000.
He also noted that the issue of out-of-school children is not only related to economic conditions but also to socio-cultural factors.
According to him, many parents do not consider education to be important, which should be a concern for the Jakarta Education Office.
“The provincial government must be proactive in reaching out to the community. The Jakarta Education Office must also conduct outreach to parents that education is important,” he said.
He expected that the Commission E would soon summon the head of the Jakarta Education Office to discuss the issue, given that education is a crucial matter, especially with Jakarta’s status as a global city.
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Translator: Lifia, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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