Government to standardize 'national plus' schools

Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

As more and more national schools implement their autonomy by developing their own curricula and offering classes in the English medium, the government is mulling the standardization of their curriculum and faculty makeup.

Muhammad Hatta, the head of curriculum and accreditation at the directorate general of primary and secondary education, the Ministry of National Education, said on Thursday three subjects -- civics, religion and Bahasa Indonesia -- would be made mandatory for national-plus curricula.

"These subjects are vital for developing Indonesian character," said Muhammad at the ground-breaking ceremony of Central, a national-plus school in South Kembangan, West Jakarta. "We expect the regulation to be finished this year."

The country has seen a growing number of national-plus schools over the past decade. Typically, these schools combine elements of curricula from Australia, the United States, Singapore or Europe, and the majority of subjects are taught in English.

Central, which was established in July 2003, for example, uses the British curriculum. "We're interested in the methodology (of teaching). We have adopted Indonesian content in the subjects," said principal Susan Natih.

Civics was part of its integration studies course, said Susan, adding that the basic beliefs and values of all religions were introduced to all students, regardless of their faiths.

"In Indonesian studies, students learn not only the language, but also Indonesian literature and culture," she said.

Muhammad said national-plus schools would also be expected to have a faculty breakdown of 60 percent local and 40 percent foreign teachers.

At least 70 national-plus schools operate across the archipelago, six of which are located in Greater Jakarta: Central; Sevilla in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta; Global Jaya in Bintaro and Pelita Harapan in Lippo Karawaci, both in Tangerang; Tiara Bangsa in Cimanggis, Depok; and Madania in Parung, Bogor.

Most national-plus schools boast that their graduates and students can gain immediate admission to international schools and universities, but graduates of some schools are refused admission to state universities.

"That's because they are considered as coming from international schools," said Muhammad, adding that this would also be regulated soon.

Central, which is constructing a Rp 80 billion (US$8.64 million) campus on a 1.8 hectare plot in South Kembangan, claims its students can enter state universities, while receiving certification from Britain's Cambridge University.

"A national-plus school stands between national and international schools. Its graduates should be able to enter both state and foreign universities," said Central president director Sudhamek.