Jakarta. The Jakarta administration plans to introduce a scholarship program for approximately 75 students from low-income families, with Governor Pramono Anung seeking partnerships with leading overseas universities to expand access to higher education.

The proposed program, dubbed LPDP Jakarta, would provide funding for master's and doctoral studies at universities abroad, with applications expected to open in September 2027.

Pramono announced the initiative on Thursday after inaugurating Ciputra University Jakarta in West Jakarta.

"Several universities are open to working with the Jakarta administration, including New York University and Columbia University, as well as universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and other countries," Pramono said.

He also identified China, Japan and South Korea as potential destinations for scholarship recipients.

The governor said the program would support a broad range of academic and professional disciplines, reflecting changing labor market demands and the growing importance of creative industries.

"I also want to give them opportunities to study culinary arts, design, content creation and other fields, because the world is different today," he said.

Pramono said expanding educational opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds was essential to helping them develop their potential and improve their economic prospects.

The program initially aims to support approximately 75 students, with studies expected to begin during the 2027 academic year.

He described access to quality education as a crucial means of breaking the cycle of poverty across generations.

Education Spending Remains a Priority
The proposed scholarship scheme would complement Jakarta's existing education assistance programs.

The Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) currently provides support to more than 707,000 students from elementary through senior high school, while more than 15,800 university students receive assistance through the Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU).

Pramono said education, health care and social assistance were three priority areas that would be protected from budget cuts under his administration.

He stressed that these commitments were particularly important given Jakarta's persistent socioeconomic inequality.

According to Pramono, Jakarta's Gini ratio stands at 0.435, indicating a relatively high level of income inequality, even as the capital's poverty rate has fallen below 4%.

The governor said improving access to education could help create opportunities for residents who have not fully benefited from economic growth.

He added that the Jakarta administration remained open to cooperation with domestic and international universities to strengthen education and expand opportunities for younger generations.

Add as a preferred source on Google +