The Jakarta Post
Schools in Greater Jakarta were once again packed with children after a nearly month-long break as the first day of the new school year began Monday. The day was special for South Tangerang resident Iman Nugroho, who was beaming with pride as he dropped off his only son at a private junior high school in the morning. “I am relieved. I’m proud that my family made it through all the hassles caused by the zoning system,” he said, referring to the central government’s enrollment zoning policy, which sparked protests from parents, students and education observers. The policy stipulates that all state schools must prioritize enrolling students who live in their respective vicinities. The Education and Culture Ministry began to more strictly enforce the policy this year after it was launched in 2016, arguing it would boost the quality of state schools. Last m...