A security guard stands at the entrance of Jakarta International School (JIS) compound in Jakarta (8/5). U.S. citizen William Vahey taught here from 1992-2002. Vahey began his international teaching career with a series of stays around the Middle East and Europe, and by 1992, Vahey and his wife moved to Indonesia. AP/Achmad Ibrahim

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Education and Culture Ministry on Monday banned 'international' word from being used by foreign private schools, as written in Education and Culture Ministry Regulation on Cooperation in Management of Education by Foreign and National Educational Institutions which was passed on April 23. The Education Ministry said there are 114 international schools across Indonesia, including Jakarta International School. Education Deputy Ministry Musliar Kasim said all schools are obligated to comply to the new regulation.

The regulation bans schools from adding 'international' in their education units, programs, classes and lessons. Schools are also obligated to provide lessons on religions, Pancasila, civics as well as Indonesian language for Indonesian students in those schools. Foreign students are required to learn Indonesian language and culture. Lessons on Pancasila, civics and Indonesian language must be provided in Indonesian language. English can only be used to explain the learning process.

The Education Ministry threatens to impose sanctions in forms of written warning, prohibition of new admissions and license revocation if schools do not obey. This regulation must be implemented by foreign schools on December 1, 2014 at the latest.

NUR ALFIYAH



