SEAToday.com, Jakarta – Acting Head of the Jakarta Education Agency, Purwosusilo, recently announced that the city’s free private school program will not only eliminate tuition and registration fees but also cover essential equipment for students.

"The government’s funding for children attending private schools will cover tuition, entrance fees, and initial fees required at certain levels," Purwosusilo said on Monday.

This support also extends to the costs of learning activities, calculated according to government-established rates. Additionally, the program ensures that students receive basic necessities like uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery.

However, not every private school in Jakarta is eligible. Purwosusilo explained that private schools in the city have been categorized into five clusters based on quality and cost. Only schools in Clusters 1 through 3, which are considered accessible and non-elite, are eligible for the free program, while elite schools in Clusters 4 and 5 are not included.

To qualify for the program, private schools must meet certain requirements set by the government. Eligible schools must agree to participate in the program, have continuously received BOS (School Operational Assistance) funds from the central government for the past three years, and have at least 60 students per educational unit, as per BOS regulations. Schools must also maintain a complete teaching structure, meaning all grade levels must be fully operational without interruptions.

For example, elementary schools should have grades 1 through 6, junior high schools should include grades 7 through 9, and high schools or vocational schools should cover grades 10 through 12.

At this time, Purwosusilo has not released the specific list of private schools that will be included in the program.