Jakarta. The Jakarta administration is expanding a free private school program to widen access to education and curb dropout rates, as the city pushes toward its ambition of becoming a top global city by 2030.

Governor Pramono Anung said education remains a top priority, with the initiative now covering 103 private schools across the capital.

“Together with the Jakarta Provincial DPRD, we prioritize education as a highly important and specific matter,” Pramono said at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives on Thursday.

The program aims to address the persistent issue of out-of-school children, which officials say continues to hinder the development of a skilled workforce needed to support Jakarta’s global competitiveness.

Children who drop out of school face higher risks of falling into poverty and informal employment, limiting productivity and job opportunities. The issue is also linked to broader social challenges, including unemployment, vulnerability to crime, and low literacy rates.

The free tuition initiative is designed to reduce economic barriers that prevent children from continuing their education.

“The free private school program, which we have now launched in 103 schools, is expected to reduce the likelihood of Jakarta’s children being unable to attend school due to economic reasons,” Pramono said.

The program is backed by a budget of Rp253.6 billion ($14.6 million). Of the participating schools, 40 existing recipients will receive funding for a full year from January to December, while 63 newly added schools will be funded for six months starting in July.

It covers a wide range of education levels, including elementary, junior high, senior high and vocational schools, as well as special education institutions across Jakarta’s five administrative regions.

The initiative builds on existing education assistance programs such as the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) and the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU), which help subsidize students’ schooling costs.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Data cited by Heni Mulyani from the Jakarta Education Quality Assurance Agency shows that more than 22,000 children in North Jakarta alone are currently out of school.

In parallel, the city is continuing its diploma amnesty policy, allowing students who previously dropped out to return and complete their education.

Officials say the combined measures are aimed at ensuring broader access to education and preventing long-term social and economic disparities as Jakarta seeks to strengthen its human capital base.