International schools for expatriates in RI

International schools for expatriates in RI

JAKARTA (JP): The number of expatriates living in the capital and other areas of Indonesia has increased in recent years, regardless of the unfavorable conditions repeatedly hitting Indonesia.

The country, to some extent, continues to play a particular role internationally. As the nation's capital, Jakarta plays a major role in the country's life, where commercial and diplomatic affairs are conducted. It has evolved into a big cosmopolitan city, home to many expatriates. Other cities and areas in Indonesia have also become beacons for expatriates. Such conditions have induced a growth in the number of international schools.

The schools' establishment is supported by the government, which realizes that local educational institutions cannot accommodate foreign students. It is widely believed that these schools adopt better educational systems, more professional teachers and more sophisticated facilities.

Thanks to some parties concerned about this, some local educational institutions and other parties have developed international standard schools with associated systems for local students. Indonesians are not allowed to attend international schools. There are also some educational institutions operating in collaboration with overseas schools, or under a franchise scheme, such as Uniprep and Kinderland, respectively.

Kusma Adhisumarta of the office of Private Schools of the Ministry of Education and Culture, said that the number of international schools operating in Indonesia totaled 42 -- the same as last year -- including 14 in Jakarta, nine in West Java, three in East Java and three in Irian Jaya.

Based on data the ministry released last year, these schools have 10,829 students, 895 foreign teachers and 181 local teachers. There are also international schools operating in other provinces, including Riau, Bali, South Sulawesi, West Kalimantan and Yogyakarta.

The first international schools date back to some five decades ago, when the capital had the Jakarta International School and the Gandhi Memorial School. International schools in Jakarta now include the North Jakarta International School, the Singapore International School, the Netherlands International School, the British International School and the Jakarta Japanese School.

Among the international schools located outside Jakarta are Bogor Expatriate School, Semarang International School, Bandung German International School, Central Java International Mission School, Yogyakarta International School and Bali International School.

There are also international schools in remote areas because of the establishment of multinational corporations, which employ a large number of expatriates, some of whom bring their families, thus schooling for the children is necessary.

Regulations concerning international schools are based on an agreement made by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in l975.

There are three types of international schools: diplomatic schools, diplomatic-international schools and international schools. A diplomatic school is established by a country's embassy. Students are children of diplomats and citizens of that country. Mixed diplomatic and international schools are attended by children from a number of countries. International schools are established by foundations or institutions for expatriate children from all countries.

Most schools are fully equipped with international standard educational equipment and curricula. Some adopt the educational system and curriculum of their countries of origins.

Seemun Suparno from Kinderland said that she was satisfied that her kindergarten could offer quality early childhood education for the students as it had a license from Singapore.

Bogor Expatriate School claims to offer education based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, to children of expatriates living in Indonesia. The school offers a friendly community-minded atmosphere, excellent academic standards and a commitment to a multicultural education.

The Singapore International School is modeled after the Singapore concept of education in an international environment. Its teachers are recruited from Singapore and have extensive experience with the Singapore curriculum.

At Semarang International School, teachers are drawn mainly from the United Kingdom and Australia. They are all certified by the Ministry of Education in their own countries. Set up in 1982, the Semarang International School is independent, where every individual counts just as much as the other, where tolerance and freedom of expression in a multi-faith community are valued highly.

In Bali, there is Bali International School, serving the needs of the expatriates on the island. Opening in 1986, the school boasts a significant roll growth with students from more than 25 nationalities. It is accredited by schools from the U.S. and Australia. (icn)