Education

EDUCATION HOTLINE: 0813 8670 2561 

The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology issued a Circular Note in 2019, with amendments in 2022, which allows refugees and asylum seekers to access formal and informal education, from primary level to secondary level, in the national education system. Enrollment in local schools requires a valid UNHCR document and competency in Indonesian language. Preparation classes, covering Indonesian language and basic competencies (reading, writing and counting), as well as additional support (tuition fee, transport allowance and school supplies) may be provided by UNHCR and our partner. 

If you are living independently in Jakarta and surrounding areas and are interested to study in a local school or if you have been unable to enroll in a local school, please contact our partner, Catholic Relief Service (CRS), and its partner Human Initiative (HI) through the Education Hotline: 0813 8670 2561. 

For refugees living in other areas (Aceh, Medan, Pekanbaru, Tanjung Pinang, Batam, Makassar and other cities), please contact UNHCR your respective location. 

Formal Education

Formal education in primary and secondary levels in Indonesia is available for children from 5-18 years old.  Upon completing the preparation class, refugee children will be enrolled in a level/grade according to the result of their competencies assessment. 

Informal Education

Informal education in Indonesia is offered to refugee children who have missed school years in their country of origin or Indonesia and wish to catch up to their grade level before continuing their formal education. This service can be accessed at the Center of Community Learning Based Activity (known as Pusat Kegaiatan Belajar Masyarakat (PKBM) or Sanggar Belajar Masyarakat (SBM)).  Prior to enrollment, refugee children must undertake a preparation class and competencies assessment. 

Preparation Classes

CRS-HI offers preparation classes at the UNHCR Learning Centers in Tebet and Ciputat. The preparation class covers Indonesian language and culture and basic competencies (reading, writing and counting). After completing the preparation class, refugee children will be ready for enrollment in local school. The enrollment process will be also facilitated by CRS-HI,