Education: Types of Schools

During the colonial era, the Dutch had established an educational system, at first restricted to the Dutch and later available to native Indonesians. The types of schools that are currently in Indonesia reflect that initiative.

As of now, Indonesia has a Public School system that encompasses the compulsory Elementary and Junior High School level, Senior High School and Tertiary Schools. There are also International Schools and Special Schools.

There are many international, private and foreign system schools that cater to the expatriate community in Indonesia. These schools offer expatriate children the option of pursuing an education in a system akin to that of their country of origin.

The criteria for admission to these schools differ with each institution such as nationality requirements or language proficiency.

Below is a list of international schools in Indonesia.

Tel. (62-21)780-5636

Fax (62-21) 781-4827

Email acgjkt@acgedu.com

Website www.acgedu.com

Tel. (62-21) 745-7562

Fax (62-21) 745-7561

Email sekolah@globaljaya.com, admission@globaljaya.com

Website www.globaljaya.com

Phone (62-21) 745-4130

Fax (62-21) 745-4140

Email jakarta@jjs.or.id

Website: http://www.jjs.or.id/

Tel. (0361) 734 936, 734 937

Fax (0361) 732 209

Email bali@ais-indonesia.com

Website www.ais-indonesia.com

In the mid-1990s, the Indonesian Department of Education and Culture began development of a type of private school that came to known as national "plus" schools. These schools are known to offer education that go beyond the national accreditation and requirements of Indonesian law.

National "plus" schools typically offer some subjects taught in English rather than native Indonesian. It may also have some native English speakers as part of the teaching staff as well as offer international curriculum like the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) or the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

While it may seem similar to International Schools, national "plus" schools are really more for Indonesian students. However, expatriates have the option of enrolling their children in these schools as some of these not only offer international curriculum but utilize English as a means of communication.

These schools are also an excellent alternative to the more expensive international schools if the expatriate’s sponsoring company will not cover education cost.

Enrolment in most Indonesian Schools begins in April of each year for a July admission.

Below is a list of some recommended national "plus" schools in Indonesia.

SPH TK Pluit

Phone (62-21) 6660-3652

Fax (62-21) 669-5341

Email pluit@sph.ac.id

Website www.sph.edu

Email pr@springfield.sch.id

Website www.springfield.sch.id

Tel. (031) 741-5018

Email info-sc@ciputra-sby.sch.id

Website www.ciputra-sby.sch.id, www.pyp.ciputra-sby.sch.id and www.highschool.ciputra-sby.sch.id

Tel. 0251 8378873

Email admissions@sekolahbogorraya.com

Website www.sekolahbogorraya.com

Tel. 022-4210787

Fax. 022-4210788

Email: info.pis@bdg-bpkpenabur.or.id or admission.pis@bdg-bpkpenabur.or.id

Website www.bpkpenabur.or.id

Tel. +62 (0)370 647514 / 647510

Fax +62 (0)370 647514

Email nusaalam@yahoo.com

Website www.nusaalam.com

Public Schools in Indonesia encompass the Elementary to Tertiary level. While expatriates have a choice of attending privatised International Schools or tertiary institutes, there is currently no prohibition on expatriates enrolling their children in a public school as early as 6 years old.

The school year is divided into two semesters. The first semester begins at the start of July and ends in December while the second semester starts in January and concludes in June.

Kindergartens are available at ages 4 to 6 and serve as a bridge to 1^st Grade Elementary School at age 6. There are 6 grades totalling 6 years of Elementary School and the child would move to Junior High School at age 12.

Junior High School is another 3 years and the child legally and officially completes the mandatory school term by age 15.

Senior High School is available from age 15 and is another 3 years. By the time the 12^th grade has concluded, the child will be 18 years old and applicable for post-secondary education in a tertiary institute, be it private or public university/college.

There are 5 different degrees in higher education namely Diploma 3 (D3), Diploma 4(D4), Strata 1(S1), Strata 2(S2) and Strata 3(S3).

Below are some of the more well-known and established universities in Indonesia.

Tel: +62 (22) 423 1792

Website: http://www.itb.ac.id/

Tel: +62 (21) 78880139

Website: http://www.ui.ac.id/

Tel: +62 (274) 562 011

Fax: +62 (274) 565 223

Website: http://www.ugm.ac.id/

Expatriate with children that have special needs can enrol them in a separate school called Sekolah Luar Biasa (Extraordinary School) or an inclusive school.

Currently most of the special needs schools are centralised in areas such as Jakarta and Medan. The government has plans to restructure and convert more public schools into inclusive schools to better accommodate children with disabilities that require less attention and care.

©RUMAH.COM Agustus 2011