Indonesian Schools Abroad, Here Are the Legal Basis

This article is an English translation of Sekolah Indonesia di Luar Negeri, Ini Dasar Hukumnya which was written by Saufa Ata Taqiyya, S.H. and was published on Tuesday, 11 May 2021.

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In order to answer your question, we refer to Joint Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Education and Culture Number 7, 1 of 2015 on the Management and Organization of Indonesian Education Abroad (“Joint Ministerial Regulation 7,1/2015”) which regulates Indonesian Schools Abroad (Sekolah Indonesia di Luar Negeri/ "SILN").

SILN is an educational unit in the formal channel that is organized abroad,[1] which can be organized by the government or the Indonesians (Indonesian society).[2]

SILN is organized at the primary and secondary education levels[3] and is implemented based on provisions of the national education system.[4]

Although SILN students are prioritized for Indonesian Citizens who live abroad, it is possible for SILN to accept foreign students (foreign citizens) who meet the requirements.[5]

Furthermore, the SILN academic calendar is determined by the Head of Diplomatic Representative and Consular Representative of the Republic of Indonesia ("Representative") by referring to the national education calendar and the provision on holidays that apply to the representative.[6]

In terms of funding and assets, SILNs, which are organized by the government, shall be borne by the budgets of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as other non-binding sources of funding in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations.[7]

Meanwhile, SILNs which are organized by Indonesians in the accreditation area of a representative are sourced from the founder of the organizer or education unit, community assistance, and other legitimate sources in accordance with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations, as well as the local state laws and regulations.[8]

In order to answer your question, the existence of SILN is indeed legal and has a legal basis. In fact, the National Accreditation Board for Schools and Madrasah (Islamic School) accredits SILN.[9]

Nowadays, SILNs have been established in some large cities abroad, such as the Indonesian School in Kuala Lumpur and the Indonesian School in Singapore.

As additional information, besides formal school at the primary and secondary levels, representatives or the Indonesians may organize early childhood education and non-formal education abroad,[10] subject to obtaining a license from the Ministry of Education and Culture in accordance with a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[11]

Early childhood education comprises Kindergarten, Playgroup and Day-care.[12] Meanwhile, non-formal education includes courses and training, education and equality, and/or literacy education.[13]

These are the answers we can provide, we hope you will find them useful.

Legal Basis:

1. Joint Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Education and Culture Number 7, 1 of 2015 on the Management and Organization of Indonesian Education Abroad;

Reference:

1. Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, accessed on 10 May 2021, at 22.15 West Indonesia Time (zone);
2. Sekolah Indonesia Singapura, accessed on 10 May 2021, at 22.30 West Indonesia Time (zone).