Basuki Admits Jakarta Smart Card Not Effective

Acting Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama conceded the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) program, an education aid scheme designed to help underprivileged students in the capital, was ineffective, saying the city was putting together an additional program to support poor students study beyond high school level. “KJP can only support the students for three years [in high school],” Basuki said on Monday. “We will evaluate it because it is not very effective.” The Jakarta Smart Card, or Kartu Jakarta Pintar, was introduced by Basuki and Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo when they were elected in 2012. It was designed to provide a monthly allowance to students at risk of dropping out of school.