Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung said equal access of education for all citizens especially for those who are less fortunate is important.

It was said by Pramono during the closing of Indonesian Education Conference (KPI) event at Auditorium Hall of Jakarta Education Agency, South Jakarta, Thursday (5/15).

Pramono then shared his story as the son of a teacher, emphasizing the importance of education in his family. Pramono shared his family background that motivated him to be determined to achieve higher education.

"Education is the most important thing in our family. We are seven siblings. All seven of them, thank God, are graduates," Pramono said.

Pramono explained several flagship programs that he has implemented in his efforts to improve access to education in Jakarta,. Among them are the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) Plus, KJMU, diploma amnesty, and so on.

Related to the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), Pramono explained that this program provides financial assistance to students from underprivileged families. 707,622 students benefited from this program this year.

"Jakarta Smart Card is important foundation," he added.

Meanwhile, the KJMU program provides assistance to outstanding students from underprivileged families. Pramono emphasized the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to guarantee the continuity of education for KJMU recipients up to the Masters and Doctoral levels, as long as their GPA meets the requirements.

"Totally there are 15,792 college students for this period," he continued.

Pramono also issued a gubernatorial regulation that provides free access to KJP recipients to visit tourist attractions and museums in Jakarta, such as Ancol, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ragunan, Monas, and other museums.

Jakarta Provincial Government also extends library and museum operating hours up to 10 PM to increase literacy.

Pramono also conveyed the existence of a diploma amnesty program by the Jakarta Provincial Government. A total of 6,652 student diplomas that were withheld due to financial problems will be redeemed by the Jakarta Provincial Government to make it easier for them to continue their education or get jobs.

"488 diplomas have been handled up to today," Pramono stated.