Preschools in Indonesia
Within large cities in Indonesia you will find a wide variety of preschool options for your young children. From informal play groups with friends, to neighborhood kindergartens (taman kanak-kanak or TK), to international standard preschools with children of many nationalities.
Some preschools organize Moms and Tots programs for 1-2 year olds who are preparing to enter a preschool program. There are also extracurricular activities, including physical play, music, art and other social opportunities for young children which are organized by community organizations or through commercial entities.
What’s most important is to find the preschool experience that you feel is most appropriate for your child. If you are looking for a more Asian, Indonesian or international academic setting to prepare for elementary school, or an open experience and creative play orientation, there is a school that will match your requirements.
Do be aware that the range of options varies enormously depending on where in Indonesia you are based. Jakarta has by far the greatest variety, but Bali, Surabaya, Bandung, and Balikpapan all have established international-standard preschool communities catering to expat families. In smaller cities, options may be limited to a handful of schools, so it is worth researching availability before your posting is confirmed.
International Preschools
There are a number of excellent preschools owned and run by professionals in early childhood education. They are owned by non-profits or by individuals as a business. While not all may have immediately recognizable franchise names, the curriculum, facilities and training are of international standard.
A number of internationally franchised preschools are also found in Indonesia following American, British, Australian or other international education philosophy. Their prices are generally higher than local schools as they must pay a foreign currency franchise fee.
While they have the advantage of a set curriculum and assistance in choosing educational toys, materials and facilities, these schools are only as good as the philosophy and training of their teachers and principal. Franchises can be purchased, but good teachers must be trained.
An advantage of attending a school with a variety of nationalities represented is that children are exposed to cultural differences at a very early age, which can improve their opportunities for understanding other peoples and cultures.
A note on school naming and categories: Indonesian Ministry of Education regulations introduced significant changes to how schools are classified and named. The old “International school” and “National Plus” categories no longer exist. Schools catering to expatriate families now operate under one of three categories: national schools (PLI), foreign or embassy schools (LPA) open only to non-Indonesian passport holders, or Joint Cooperation Schools (Sekolah Kerja Sama — commonly referred to as SPK schools). Most of the established international-standard preschools that expat families use are registered as SPK schools. You will see this term frequently when researching schools in Indonesia — it simply means the school operates under an approved partnership framework that permits a foreign curriculum and international-standard facilities. The absence of the word “international” in a school’s official name does not reflect on the quality of its programme.
When researching preschool curricula, you will encounter a number of internationally recognised frameworks in Jakarta and other major cities: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Cambridge Early Years, Montessori, HighScope, and Reggio Emilia are all represented across the Jakarta market. If your family is following a particular educational philosophy, or if you know which primary school your child is likely to transition into, it is worth choosing a preschool whose approach aligns with that pathway.
Indonesian TK
Indonesian preschools and kindergartens — taman kanak-kanak, commonly known as TK, which translates literally as “children’s garden” — are licensed by the Department of Education and Culture. They must follow a standard curriculum, set by the Department, which prepares children for entry into the Indonesian school system. These schools are attended primarily by Indonesian children and instruction is conducted in the Indonesian language. As the Indonesian school system emphasizes academic skills and pushes children to be able to write before they enter the first grade, TK instruction puts a great emphasis on the forming of letters and copying of words.
Due to the limited facilities available and the need to follow the official curriculum, there is not much time for or emphasis on creative play and freedom to explore for the children. Mobility of the children is limited. It is also worth understanding that most TK teachers work within tight budget and resource constraints — classroom materials, educational supplies and teaching aids are often minimal, and teachers frequently supplement what the school provides from their own pocket or through parent contributions. This is simply the reality of the local system, and it shapes what is possible in the classroom day to day.
With the high percentage of middle and upper class Indonesian children raised by nannies, TK is often seen as the place where children learn to feed and care for themselves and begin on the road to independence. If a large block of the school day is set aside for eating, it should be clear that teaching the children to feed themselves (even at age 4 or 5) is a priority at the school.
For expatriate families with children who speak no Indonesian, a local TK will present a significant language barrier. However, some families find that full immersion in a local TK alongside Indonesian-speaking peers is an effective — if intensive — route to language acquisition, particularly for younger children. This is a personal decision worth discussing with your family and, if possible, with other expat parents who have taken that path.
Language
A major concern in preschool education will be the language of instruction. While the majority of international preschools profess to conduct their activities in English, the mixture of the children’s nationalities may lead to some interesting scenarios.
If the children at the school are predominantly Korean, for example, the curriculum may be a mix of Korean and English. If the teachers in an English preschool are not truly fluent in English, you may also find your child learning Indonesian at preschool.
On a visit to a potential school, wander through the classrooms and listen not only to the teacher, but to the children and see what language or languages they are using.
It is also worth asking whether the school offers any structured Bahasa Indonesia language support, even within an English-language programme. Children who spend several years in Indonesia benefit enormously from even basic language skills, and some preschools build this into their curriculum in an age-appropriate way.
Principal and Teaching Staff
Indonesian law does not allow the hiring of expatriate teachers in preschools that are not affiliated with international schools. However, some preschools have informal expatriate advisors who are experienced in early childhood education and have assisted the school in developing curriculum and training teachers.
If the school says they have expatriate teachers or leaders, ask how much time those persons actually spend at the school and how much interaction they have with the children. Inquire into their nationality, so that you can consider the influences their background may have on curriculum and teaching styles.
While the formal education of the teachers is important, even more important is the experience they have had since completing their formal education. Ask what other preschools they have worked for, who they have trained under in their previous teaching jobs and how much time is spent on training the teachers in early childhood development at the present employer’s.
Teacher turnover is worth asking about specifically. High turnover — particularly of lead teachers — can disrupt the continuity that young children depend on. Ask how long the current teaching staff have been at the school and what the school does to retain experienced teachers.
Location
Not to be ignored is the actual location of the school in proximity to your residence. Driving by the area on a Sunday afternoon is not indicative of what traffic patterns will be like during the weekday rush hour or normal drop off and pick up times.
Will your child have to ride through rush hour traffic to get to school each morning or can you find a good school closer to home? Try timing the run to the school in the morning rush hour and see how long it takes. If the school is located near a major intersection, near a market or other large school, traffic may be a major problem at drop off and pick up times.
While the ‘perfect’ school for your child may not be conveniently located in relation to your home, you may find an alternative good school where the location won’t necessitate a lot of time spent stuck in traffic to transport your child. The convenience of the location may outweigh other factors.
One practical change in recent years: many Jakarta families now use ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab for school runs, either through a dedicated driver arrangement or via the app’s scheduled service. This can make a school that is slightly further away more manageable in practice. That said, traffic in Jakarta remains one of the most challenging aspects of daily life, and proximity to your home or compound should still be weighted heavily when shortlisting schools.
Safety and Security
Inquire about the safety procedures followed at the school. What is the situation in front of the school at drop off and pick up times? Is it chaotic or organized — with a clear emphasis on the safety of the children as they enter and exit the school grounds?
Is access to the school yard restricted? Is the gate locked or manned by a watchman to ensure that the gate is never left open? What is the drop off and pick up policy of the school? Is there a system for identifying which persons are allowed to pick up your child?
Inquire into the school’s policies and procedures when a child is injured, becomes sick or emergency care is needed. Are the teachers certified in First Aid techniques? Don’t assume that things will be done in the same way as your home country.
It is also reasonable to ask about the school’s protocols for health-related incidents, including how the school communicates with parents during the day and what arrangements are in place if a child needs to be transported to a clinic or hospital. Ask which clinic or hospital the school has a relationship with and whether there is a nurse or healthcare aide on site.
Discipline
A concern of all parents, especially of small children, is how their child will be disciplined. Discuss the discipline policies with the principal and teachers. Ask a lot of ‘What if….’ questions to see how the staff would respond in situations you know your child may get into.
It is important to ask directly about discipline methods, as practices can vary widely. Established SPK and international-standard preschools will have written policies prohibiting physical discipline of any kind, and you should ask to see those policies. In more traditional local settings, physically coercive methods have historically been used in some schools — which is precisely why visiting in person, observing classrooms, and asking direct questions matters. Do not assume that because a school presents well on paper or online that its day-to-day practices align with your expectations.
Constructive discipline methods could include redirection (getting the child interested in another activity) and time-out (giving the child a few minutes to settle down and collect him/herself) before returning to the group. A total lack of any discipline or direction can also create a chaotic situation in the classroom, so a creative, caring response on the part of teachers can enhance the positive social and educational aspects for children.
Ask if the school has an open door policy whereby parents are welcome to stop by when they want to see the progress and interaction of their child for themselves. A school that has nothing to hide will welcome your interest.
Ask if the school conducts a routine assessment of the children so that you can learn in which areas your child is progressing within normal standards and where your child may need extra attention at home.
Transportation
Some preschools provide transportation within a limited area nearby the school. If you are interested in assistance with transporting your child, ask about those services. See the van or bus that is used for transportation to determine if it is safe. Take a test run with the regular driver to see what his driving habits are like.
School bus services are now a standard offering at most established SPK preschools in Jakarta. Ask whether the bus routes cover your area, whether an adult escort accompanies the children as well as the driver, and whether the vehicles are air-conditioned and fitted with seatbelts — the latter is not universal.
Cost of Preschools in Indonesia
Just as wide as the range of schooling options are the pricing options for preschool education. A neighbourhood Indonesian TK will typically cost in the range of Rp 500,000 to Rp 3,000,000 or more per month in fees, depending on location and facilities, with an additional registration fee on entry. International-standard and SPK preschools in Jakarta now range considerably — from approximately Rp 30,000,000 to Rp 280,000,000 per year (roughly $1,800 to $17,000 USD at current exchange rates) depending on the school, its curriculum framework, and its facilities. Prices in Bali and other expat-heavy cities have risen sharply in recent years and are approaching Jakarta levels at the top end of the market. All figures should be verified directly with the school at the time of enquiry, as fees are reviewed annually and exchange rate pegging practices vary.
Preschools that are affiliated with the larger international schools may impose a Capital Levy as an entrance requirement. This could be a large sum of money, usually denoted in a foreign currency, so be sure to inquire about special levies as well as the monthly/annual fees.
Since the cost of international standard preschools is high, ask your sponsoring company if they will cover the cost of preschool for your young children — some companies will and some won’t. If you are paying for the schooling yourself, the cost becomes more of an issue. While some good international standard preschools calculate costs in a foreign currency, they may have that currency pegged to a rupiah exchange rate that is lower than the market value. These pricing schemes change frequently, so if your initial inquiry and your actual registration cover a span of time, ask if the prices have changed before you register.
One factor that catches many newly arrived expat families off guard: waiting lists. The most sought-after preschools in Jakarta — and increasingly in Bali — can have waiting lists of 12 to 18 months or longer. If you know your posting to Indonesia is confirmed, it is worth reaching out to schools as early as possible, even before your move date is set. Some schools allow families to register an interest well in advance of the child reaching school age.
What to Look For
Talk to friends and colleagues and ask them what schools they recommend. Armed with these recommendations, visit at least three to five centres to meet with the principal and teachers and assess the suitability of the environment for your child. Visiting the centres will assist you in forming an opinion of its environment, cleanliness, values and capabilities. Keep in mind that computers, flashy toys or dramatic surroundings aren’t necessarily what is most important to children. What matters most is each child’s experience.
Online parent communities are also a valuable resource — Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities for expat parents in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and other cities are active and candid. Searching for school name reviews in these groups will often surface more up-to-date and frank assessments than any school’s own marketing materials.
When choosing a school you may want to inquire about:
- How long has the school been in existence
- The experience of teaching staff
- What is the child to staff ratio? Recommended ratios are: one adult for every three to four infants or toddlers, six 2-year-olds, eight 3-year-olds, nine 4-year-olds, ten 5-year-olds, and ten to twelve school-age children
- Cleanliness — visit the bathrooms and cooking areas to see what standards of cleanliness are upheld. Ask how often the toys are cleaned. Ask where diapers are changed for children who are not yet potty trained.
- Attention to fire and building safety. Building and fire safety regulations exist in Indonesia but enforcement can be inconsistent — it is reasonable to ask what safety drills and fire evacuation procedures the school has in place.
- Whether the school has a written child protection and safeguarding policy, and who the designated safeguarding lead is
- What the school’s approach is to children with learning differences or developmental delays — early identification and support services are available at some Jakarta preschools but not all
Observe the school. You should see children who:
- Seem comfortable and are free to move about and investigate their surroundings the way they would at home.
- Appear healthy and well cared for.
- Are happily occupied.
- Approach the caregiver easily when they need her help or attention.
- Have their diapers changed promptly. (Caregiver should wash hands afterward.)
You should not see:
- Children left unsupervised.
- Children running randomly around or bored from lack of activities.
- Children hurting each other with no adult intervention.
- Toys that are inaccessible to the kids, unsafe or not appropriate for their ages.
- Food that can cause choking served to children under three, such as grapes, peanuts or raw carrots.
- Physical discipline, including hitting or shaking children.
- Any verbal reprimand that shames or embarrasses a child.
Trial Run
Ask if the school will allow a parent to sit in the classroom during a trial period before you commit to full enrollment for your child. It will be worth your time and effort to see how the normal day progresses first hand.
The Choice is Yours
Ultimately the decision on where you want your child to attend preschool is yours. Only you can determine if the school is most appropriate for your child, if it will prepare your child for the next step in their education, or if you feel comfortable with the staff and the philosophy of the school.
Trust your overall impression of the school — the environment, the professionalism of the staff, the well-being of the children, the activities that are planned. If something doesn’t feel right, just keep looking. You will find the right preschool to fulfill your child’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an international preschool cost in Jakarta?
Fees at international-standard and SPK preschools in Jakarta currently range from approximately Rp 30,000,000 to Rp 280,000,000 per year, depending on the school, its curriculum and its facilities. Many schools also charge a one-time registration or capital levy fee on entry. Fees are reviewed annually, so always confirm current pricing directly with the school.
What is an SPK school in Indonesia?
SPK stands for Sekolah Kerja Sama (Joint Cooperation School). Following regulatory changes by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, schools can no longer use the word “International” in their official name. SPK schools are the approved category for schools that operate under a foreign curriculum framework in partnership with an Indonesian educational institution. Most of the international-standard preschools used by expat families in Jakarta and Bali are registered as SPK schools.
Can expat children attend an Indonesian TK (kindergarten)?
Yes — there are no restrictions on expat children attending a local Indonesian TK. Instruction is in Bahasa Indonesia, the curriculum follows national standards set by the Ministry of Education, and the majority of children will be Indonesian. For families committed to Indonesian language immersion, this can be a rewarding experience. For families without Indonesian language support at home, it will be a more challenging environment.
Do preschools in Jakarta have waiting lists?
The most popular international-standard preschools in Jakarta and Bali can have waiting lists of 12 to 18 months or more. If you know your posting to Indonesia is confirmed, contact schools as early as possible — ideally before you arrive in Indonesia.
What curriculum frameworks are available at Jakarta preschools?
Jakarta’s international-standard preschool market offers a wide range of curriculum approaches, including the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Cambridge Early Years, Montessori, HighScope, and Reggio Emilia, among others. The best choice depends on your child’s learning style and the primary school pathway you are planning.
Is it safe to send my young child to preschool in Indonesia?
Safety standards at established SPK and international-standard preschools are generally high, with secure perimeters, drop-off and pick-up protocols, and first aid-trained staff. As with any country, standards vary between schools — visiting in person, asking direct questions about safety and emergency procedures, and speaking to other expat parents are the most reliable ways to assess any individual school.
This page is generously sponsored by Discovery Center.
