The education system in Indonesia clearly reflects the European influence. This is because the country only gained independence in 1945 and was a Dutch colony until then.
Content:
- Indonesian education system: From preschool to university
- Preschools in Indonesia
- Schools
- Secondary education in Indonesia
- Higher education in Indonesia
- Education in the country for foreigners
- Assistance in finding real estate for living and studying
Currently, Indonesian educational institutions are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education Indonesia and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Constitution states that religion is a fundamental part of the governance of the country. However, citizens are allowed freedom of religion, and their local passports indicate their affiliation with a particular religious stream:
- Islam
- Buddhism
- Catholicism
- Protestantism
- Confucianism
- Buddhism
- Other faiths, including various religions and atheism
According to the education planning Indonesia laws, it is a process aimed at developing students' consciousness, intellect, personal qualities, and spiritual and creative potential.
Indonesian education system: From preschool to university
In the Indonesian schooling system, special attention is given to the patriotism of children. In many educational institutions, the day begins with the collective reading of the "Youth Pledge".
Although the country has more than 700 different languages and dialects, the official language is Indonesian. English is usually taught as a foreign language, and in private international institutions, classes are conducted entirely in English. In addition, Indonesian language classes may be offered several times a week.
The school system varies from region to region, but generally, there are three main levels of schooling: elementary, middle and high school. The total duration of schooling is 12 years.
There are more than 1,500 public and private universities. Among university students, disciplines such as engineering, economics and management are particularly popular. Let's take a closer look at the different levels of learning.
Preschools in Indonesia
Preschool in Indonesia incudes kindergartens, which often include elementary classes. These are usually private institutions, each with their own educational programs. Many kindergartens use the Montessori system and offer activities designed to develop creative skills.
Private preschools generally accept children from the age of 2. As of children under 3, there are play activities and supervision, while 4-year-olds participate in readiness activities. All teaching in kindergartens is done through play.
Many expatriates prefer to send their children to English-speaking institutions so that they can learn a foreign language in a natural environment.
Most preschools divide their academic program into 4 quarters, each lasting 10–13 weeks. Parents can choose preschools with or without meals.
A peculiarity of private Indonesian and international kindergartens is that most only operate until lunchtime.
Payment options for preschool attendance vary depending on the type of center. Some offer weekly or monthly subscriptions or single visits. Payment is often quarterly, with an additional annual fee. Fees vary by location and type of center. On average, a month's tuition at an international preschool ranges from $200 to $260.
Schools
Many people wonder when the school year starts in Indonesia. The school year is divided into 2 terms. The first starts in July and ends in December, while the second runs from January to June. Therefore, there are no long summer vacations; children attend classes throughout the year.
Classes are usually large, with about 40 students in each class. Discipline is maintained through respect for the authority of the teacher, and there's no gender segregation; boys and girls study together.
Classes usually begin at 7 a.m. and end around noon. Each class lasts 45 minutes and there are 5 to 7 classes per day. Breaks of 10–20 minutes allow the children to engage in active outdoor play.
In the senior classes, the focus is on university entrance preparation. The teaching style is standard, similar to that in European countries: teachers explain new topics, check homework and call students to the blackboard.
Structure of school learning process
The school program lasts 12 years, divided as follows:
- 6 years for elementary classes
- 3 years for middle classes
- 3 years for senior classes
In the country, children enter primary school at the age of 6-7. In most schools, it lasts 6 years, but some institutions offer a 5-year program for able students.
Elementary and middle school, a total of 9 years, are compulsory in the Indonesian education system. Upon completion of middle school, students take a national examination covering the knowledge they have acquired throughout their schooling. If they pass, they receive a certificate of basic training background.
The next step may be admission to senior classes for university preparation or enrollment in vocational schools. Both types of education are tuition-based but are generally less expensive than university.
Homeschooling in Indonesia
Is homeschooling legal in Indonesia? The government grants parents the right to choose the educational system for their child: regular school attendance or homeschooling. The latter has been regulated by the National Education System since 2003. Children educated at home can take compulsory exams and receive a certificate.
Parents who have the means to hire tutors or have the necessary preparation and skills often choose homeschooling. This form of learning is convenient due to its individual approach to organizing the process, including homeschooling special needs kids Indonesia.
Secondary education in Indonesia
Instead of continuing education in senior classes, a student may enroll in Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan after completing the basic school program. This secondary schools in Indonesia allow students to acquire specific vocational skills and can serve as preparation for university admission. Training is provided in various fields such as:
- Construction and Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Energy and Mining
- Information Technology
- Medical
- Business and Management
- Travel & Tourism
- Fine Arts
- Agricultural Technologies
- Maritime and Shipbuilding
Higher education in Indonesia
Education at universities and colleges is tuition-based for foreigners. Students with Indonesian citizenship can study for free and receive scholarships. Local universities offer the following degrees:
- Specialist
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate
There are also different types of colleges:
- Institute, which offers several faculties in related disciplines
- Technological Institute
- Academy, offering specialized training in a narrow field
- University, an educational institution with several different faculties
Education in the country for foreigners
Higher education in the country is accessible to foreigners through numerous international universities operating in major cities. In such universities, classes are usually conducted in English, and upon completion of studies, one can obtain an internationally recognized diploma. Based on the university enrollment, a long-term student visa is issued.
There are also language schools for foreigners where you can learn English, Indonesian, and other languages.
Assistance in finding real estate for living and studying
For those planning to pursue an Indonesian education, it's worth considering comfortable living arrangements near the educational institution. To explore possible options for apartments and villas in Indonesia, visit the catalog on our website. You can select the desired region of your search and sort properties by price, number of bedrooms, total area, and other parameters.
Each of our listings of property in Indonesia includes a description, technical specifications, photos, seller's contact information, and geolocation so you can find accommodation near your educational institution.
You can also seek assistance from our real estate specialist in selecting a property. We only work with verified agencies and reliable developers, charge no hidden fees, and help our clients quickly find a house or apartments in Indonesia with the best balance of price and quality.