Types of Schools in Jakarta: International, National Plus, and SPK
Jakarta’s schools sit on a spectrum shaped by regulation, curriculum choice, and teaching expertise. Labels such as international, national plus, and SPK are used freely, yet they describe different things: some are legal categories, others are marketing terms, and some refer to the curriculum pathways schools actually deliver.
"The licence itself does not tell you which model a school follows; leadership, staffing and curriculum fidelity do."
This guide helps families compare the main types clearly, without relying on inconsistent terminology.
SPK schools: the framework behind most international pathways
SPK (Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama) schools dominate the international-style sector. Any school that delivers a foreign curriculum—British, IB, American, or similar—must operate under this licence. SPK sets governance and compliance rules, adds a handful of Indonesian subjects, and requires cooperation with an overseas educational partner. Beyond those obligations, schools have substantial freedom in how authentically they deliver the curriculum they claim to offer.
"What matters to families is curriculum fidelity, teacher training, inspection evidence, and long-term pathways."
Some SPK schools run programmes that look and feel like international schools elsewhere in the region. Others take a more blended or bilingual approach. The licence itself does not tell you which model a school follows; leadership, staffing and curriculum fidelity do.
International-style SPK schools
Although officially SPK, a subset of schools operates with a distinctly international academic model. They employ teachers trained in the curriculum they teach, maintain subject depth, and prepare pupils for recognised qualifications. Their ethos, expectations, and classroom culture closely resemble schools in Singapore, Bangkok, or major British international hubs.
These schools tend to attract families needing continuity across relocations or preparing for overseas senior schools. They also carry fee structures that reflect their staffing model and specialist provision.
SPK schools with a more local orientation
Other SPK schools deliver foreign curricula in a more adapted form. They may rely on locally trained teachers for core subjects, blend Indonesian and international approaches, or use international content without offering full qualification pathways. These schools typically sit between an international-style model and a bilingual one, and can suit families wanting English-medium learning without moving fully into the international fee bracket.
National plus / bilingual schools
National plus and bilingual schools remain anchored to the Indonesian curriculum but add international elements—extended English, selected Cambridge materials, and broader project-based approaches. They offer a more local atmosphere, moderate fees, and diverse English exposure. They do not provide international qualifications unless they hold a separate authorisation.
These schools appeal to families wanting a bilingual environment without leaving the national system.
National schools with international elements
A number of national schools incorporate limited international practices while running the Indonesian curriculum in full. International components are enrichment rather than structural. These schools are chosen by families seeking stability within the Indonesian system, typically with long-term domestic educational plans.
Specialist early-years schools
Jakarta’s early-years sector includes Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other alternative approaches. These focus on developmental readiness rather than academic pathways and often serve as feeder schools into SPK or national institutions. Quality depends heavily on the training of the teaching staff rather than the philosophy label.
How the categories compare
Curriculum: international-style SPK schools deliver full foreign curricula; national plus schools wrap international elements around the Indonesian curriculum; national schools follow Indonesian standards only.
Teacher expertise: international-style SPK schools employ teachers trained in the curriculum they teach; national plus and bilingual schools rely primarily on Indonesian-trained staff; national schools follow the domestic teacher-training routes.
Pathways: international-style SPK schools offer recognised qualifications (IGCSE, A-levels, IB Diploma, AP); national plus and national schools follow the Indonesian pathway; early-years specialists do not offer long-term academic progression.
Community profile: international-style SPK schools tend to be mixed Indonesian–expatriate; national plus predominantly Indonesian with some international presence; national schools almost entirely Indonesian.
Deciding which model fits your family
Families planning future moves abroad generally choose international-style SPK schools for continuity and qualification portability.
Families wanting bilingual learning while remaining in the Indonesian system often select national plus schools.
Families committed to Indonesian examinations and domestic university routes typically choose national schools.
Families focusing on early development rather than curriculum alignment may use specialist early-years schools before transitioning elsewhere.
Choosing based on evidence, not labels
The language schools use—international, national plus, global, bilingual—is not regulated and varies widely. What matters to families is curriculum fidelity, teacher training, inspection evidence, and long-term pathways. Comparing schools through these lenses reduces the noise and reveals the differences that actually affect pupils’ day-to-day learning.
About the author
Daniel, PGCE, QTS, BA (Hons)
Daniel is a specialist in humanities and cross-curricular integration within primary education. He previously taught at Uppingham School, where he contributed to enrichment programmes linking inquiry, storytelling and critical thinking. Daniel’s approach encourages pupils to see learning as interconnected, purposeful and grounded in real-world understanding.
FAQ: Types of Schools in Jakarta
What is an SPK school?
An SPK school is a partnership between an Indonesian foundation and a foreign institution, allowing a school to deliver an international curriculum within the national regulatory framework.
Are SPK and international schools the same?
Legally, yes. The difference lies in practice: some SPK schools operate with a full international model, while others mix approaches.
What makes national plus schools different?
They follow the Indonesian curriculum but add selected international elements. They do not deliver full international pathways unless separately authorised.
Which type of school offers IGCSE or IB?
Only international-style SPK schools with programme authorisation.
Which model suits families planning future relocation?
International-style SPK schools offer the clearest continuity with systems in the UK, US, Singapore, and Europe.