Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

Published: Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood publishing group, 1998

ISBN: 0-313-30404-1

Abstract/Notes: With an introduction to VERA 2004, a comparative research project in German. The article also includes a summary of a study into furthering creativity through Montessori education.

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Abstract/Notes: This chapter will look at the purpose of education in the context of Indonesia’s past and present. I will draw on the philosophy of Ki Hajar Dewantara (1889–1959), who is regarded as the father of Indonesian education. In conceptualising education, he was influenced by his upbringing, local culture, and international influences from various educators and philosophers such as Rabindranath Tagore, Maria Montessori, and Friedrich Fröbel. This chapter is particularly timely because the Indonesian government has started to critically re-examine two of the educational concepts proposed by Dewantara, which are “pendidikan karakter” (character education) and “merdeka belajar” (independent learning). The chapter will start with a discussion on the purpose of education before introducing Dewantara and his background. I will then offer two comparisons; First, between Dewantara’s purpose of education and the aims of Dutch schools during the colonial period in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of imparting local wisdom and values in Dewantara’s school which were ignored by the colonial schools. Second, between Dewantara’s purpose of education and the current government’s policies. By doing so, I will highlight the different purposes articulated for education in various contexts, from the colonial era to present-day Indonesia. The conclusion of this chapter is that there have been profound changes to the very purpose of education in Indonesia. Nevertheless, Dewantara’s philosophy is still very much relevant today and thus, the Indonesian government should revisit its conceptualisation of the foundations of education. Dewantara’s thought is also likely to see increased interest in other countries due to a growing global demand for awareness of non-Western educational philosophies.

Language: English

Published: Singapore, Singapore: Springer Nature, 2023

Edition: 1st ed.

ISBN: 978-981-9901-39-5