Education

Education in Indonesia

Indonesia offers educational options ranging from local schools to world-class international institutions, primarily concentrated in Jakarta and Bali.

International Schools

Jakarta (best selection):

• Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS): American curriculum, highly regarded
• British School Jakarta: British curriculum, IGCSE/IB
• Australian International School: Australian curriculum
• Gandhi Memorial International School: IB program
• Sekolah Pelita Harapan: Christian, international curriculum

Fees (Jakarta): $15,000-35,000 per year

Bali:

• Bali Island School: IB curriculum, strong academics
• Green School: Environmental focus, unique bamboo campus, famous
• Canggu Community School: Smaller, community feel
• Australian Independent School: Australian curriculum
• Dyatmika School: Bilingual Indonesian-English

Fees (Bali): $8,000-25,000 per year

Local Schools

National curriculum schools:

• Indonesian language instruction
• Very affordable ($50-300/year public, $1,000-3,000 private)
• May not be suitable for non-Indonesian speakers
• Lower academic standards by international measures

National Plus schools:

• Bilingual (Indonesian + English)
• Indonesian curriculum with international elements
• $2,000-8,000/year
• Good middle-ground option

Homeschooling

Popular among expat families:

• Legal in Indonesia
• Flexible for traveling families
• Many support networks in Bali
• Online curricula (Khan Academy, IXL, etc.)
• Co-op groups for socialization

Higher Education

Indonesian universities:

• University of Indonesia (UI) - top ranked nationally
• Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) - engineering
• Gadjah Mada University - Yogyakarta

For international students:

• Tuition: $1,000-5,000/year (very affordable)
• Quality varies significantly
• Not highly ranked globally
• Indonesian language often required

Most expats pursuing degrees: Study online through home country universities or go elsewhere (Singapore, Australia).

Learning Indonesian

Language schools:

• IALF (Indonesian Australia Language Foundation) - Jakarta, Bali
• KITAS sponsors sometimes require language study
• Private tutors: $10-20/hour
• Online: Duolingo, italki

Childcare

Nannies/helpers: Very affordable, $150-300/month full-time. Many expat families employ live-in help.

Daycare/preschool: $200-800/month depending on quality and location.

Considerations:

• Background check domestic staff
• Clear expectations and contracts
• Most helpers don't speak English (or limited)

Educational Resources

Libraries:

• @america (US Embassy, Jakarta)
• British Council
• International school libraries (often allow community access)

Museums and cultural learning:

• Jakarta has good museums
• Bali offers cultural programs, traditional arts lessons
• Ubud particularly rich in cultural education

Tips for Expat Families

1. Apply to international schools early - waitlists common
2. Visit schools before committing - quality varies
3. Consider homeschooling for flexibility
4. Green School is unique but not for everyone - visit first
5. Budget significantly for education if staying long-term
6. Local help makes family life much easier and is affordable