T

he Jakarta administration has scrapped vaccinations as an entry requirement for admission to kindergarten or elementary school, according to a circular letter issued by the Jakarta Education Agency.

Jakarta Education Agency deputy head Bowo Irianto said the decision was made to support parents who wanted to enroll their children in kindergarten or elementary school.

“Jakarta has a very diverse population, so access to schools must be opened widely and in a non-discriminatory way,” Bowo told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

“Besides, immunization can take place once the children are enrolled in the schools, provided by the city’s health facilities,” Bowo said.

Previously, the administration required students to have vaccinations to be able to be admitted to school to encourage parents to take precautionary measures against communicable diseases on their young children.