Growth and diplomatic ties boost international schools

JAKARTA (JP): As a metropolitan city, Jakarta is experiencing a rapid growth in its international community, which has been boosted by economic development.

International business activities, along with an escalation of diplomatic ties, have spurred the growing number of international schools in the capital, as well as in many other parts of the country.

The establishment of these schools is supported by the government, which is aware that local educational institutions cannot accommodate foreign students. It is no secret that, in general, international schools have better educational systems, more professional teachers and more sophisticated facilities. Even though those Indonesians who could afford it might be lured by this superior quality, local schools are not threatened because Indonesians are not allowed to attend international schools.

"So far, international schools accommodate children of diplomatic staffs and expatriates working here on a temporary basis, therefore there is no problem and it is no threat to local schools," Nasichin, director of private schools at the Ministry of Education and Culture, said.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Education and Culture, there are 42 international schools operating across Indonesia, including 14 in Jakarta, nine in West Java, three in East Java and three in Irian Jaya.

These schools currently have 10,829 students, 895 foreign teachers and 181 local teachers.

Some provinces, including Bali, Aceh, Riau, South Sulawesi. West Kalimantan and Yogyakarta, have one international school each.

In the 1960s or 1970s, there were only a few international schools, such as the Jakarta International School and the Gandhi Memorial School. The later, the oldest in the country, was founded in 1950. Now, there are special international schools for citizens of India, Korea, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Germany, Britain and other countries.

Nasichin said international schools were operating in remote provinces like Aceh and Irian Jaya because of the establishment of multinational companies, including PT Arun in Aceh, PT Caltex in Riau and PT Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya.

These companies employ a large number of expatriate managers and technicians. Some of these expatriate bring their families with them, making special school for their children a necessity.

"But the government requires such companies also build schools for local children," he said.

Dr. M. Hatta, assistant director for private school affairs at the ministry, said regulations concerning the establishment of international schools were based on an agreement made by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in l975.

International schools fall into three categories: diplomatic schools, a mix of diplomatic and international schools and international schools.

Diplomatic schools are established by a country's embassy. Its students are children of diplomats and citizens of the country.

Mixed diplomatic and international school are attended by children from a number of countries.

International schools are established by foundations or institutions to accommodate expatriate children from all countries.

"Each category has its own regulations to monitor its operations," Hatta said.

International schools adopt the educational systems and curricula of their countries of origins. He said that Indonesian students were not allowed to enroll in international schools.

Indonesians who do not want to go to local schools may pursue their educations at bilingual educational institutions, a number of which have been established in Jakarta in response to the growing demand.

To oversee the development and operation of international schools in the country, the government has set up a special team comprising officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Finance.

"The managements of international schools are obliged to present reports on the condition of their schools, students, teachers and staff every six months," Hatta said.

Employment, financial and tax reports also are required.

Most schools regularly file their reports, but others often miss the deadline for filing their reports, he said.

There have been violations of student enrollment, the employment of foreign teachers and school permits. "We try to probe violations case-by-case," Nasichin said.

The existence of international schools -- as well as local schools -- in densely-populated areas of the city and in centers of business could create problems.

"Some people have lodged complaints that traffic is disturbed, particularly during after-school hours," he said.

In some cases, there are cultural conflicts between students and locals. Nasichin called on international students to understand the culture of the Indonesian people to prevent any misunderstandings.

A number of international schools have relocated to the outskirts of Jakarta, including the British School, which moved from Permata Hijau to Pondok Aren in Tangerang, and the German School, which relocated from Jl. Sam Ratulangi in Central Jakarta and Jl. Prapanca in South Jakarta to a 4.7-hectare plot of land in the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex in Tangerang.

Most international schools are fully equipped with international standard educational equipment and curricula.

"Indonesian schools and private schools may learn a valuable lesson on how to operate a good school and prepare innovative lessons," Nasichin said. (raw)