Jakarta Expands Free Private School Program to 105 Institutions for 2026/2027

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Commission E of the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has officially called on the Jakarta Education Agency (Disdik) to ensure the full quota of 105 free private schools is met for the upcoming academic year. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, lawmakers emphasized that the budget allocated for this social safety net must be fully utilized to provide educational access to the city's residents.

The program is a strategic expansion aimed at alleviating the burden on public schools while providing quality, cost-free education within the private sector.

While the provincial administration originally budgeted for 105 participating schools, spanning Elementary (SD), Junior High (SMP), Senior High (SMA), and Special Education (SLB) levels, two schools recently withdrew from the program following the assessment phase.

"Two schools have withdrawn, but we have asked for replacements. Look for substitute schools so that the budget is not left unabsorbed," said Muhammad Subki, Chairman of Commission E of the Jakarta DPRD, in Jakarta on Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

The council insists that the Education Agency maintain the target of 105 institutions to ensure that the agreed funding reaches the intended students.

The initiative has seen significant growth since its inception. Originally starting with only 40 schools, the provincial administration is adding 63 new institutions in 2026 to reach the revised target.

According to the Head of the Jakarta Education Agency, Nahdiana, these schools are scheduled to begin their free-to-attend status at the start of the new academic year this July.

While the program covers a wide range of academic levels, there are currently specific boundaries to its implementation. The included levels for the free private school scheme consist of SD (Elementary), SMP (Junior High), SMA (Senior High), and SLB (Special Education).

However, at this stage, Kindergarten (TK) levels are officially excluded from the program. According to the current schedule, the expanded list of schools is set to take effect starting in July 2026.

The DPRD continues to push for transparency regarding which specific schools will be included in the 63-school expansion, ensuring that parents can make informed decisions for the 2026/2027 enrollment period. ***