TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared 40 private schools that will offer free education programs this year. This was announced by Ima Mahdiah, Deputy Speaker of the Jakarta Legislative Council, during an interview at the council building on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

"There will be 40 schools involved, and the Governor will make the official announcement," said Ima.

According to her, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has approved the trial of free schooling at these 40 designated private institutions. The program will prioritize students from economically disadvantaged families.

"These 40 free schools will be located in areas with a high concentration of lower-middle-class residents and limited access to public schools," Ima explained.

As reported by Antara, the Commission E of the Jakarta Legislative Council, during the 2019-2024 term, along with the Jakarta Provincial Government, signed an agreement on August 23, 2024, to implement the Free Schools program.

This initiative represents the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to ensuring children's right to 12 years of education, as mandated by Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 8 of 2006 on the Education System. The Jakarta Education Agency will collaborate with 2,900 private schools across primary, junior high, and senior high school levels.

"Following the meeting on the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) and the Integrated School Operational Assistance Card (KJMU), the Governor will shift focus to the free schools initiative," Ima affirmed.

With the New Student Admission System (SPMB) for the 2025 academic year approaching, scheduled from May 20 to June 5, 2025, the PDIP politician emphasized that the free school program will be implemented gradually.

She expressed hope that the establishment of a Special Committee for the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Education Implementation at the Jakarta Legislative Council will facilitate the delivery of quality free education in both public and private schools, as planned.

"We are committed to providing free schools, but this will be a gradual process. We must transition from the Jakarta Smart Card assistance in a measured way, considering our financial capabilities," she concluded."

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