The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed to achieve cooperation goals in various fields, including education.
There are also numerous instances of cooperation between ASEAN countries in the field of education, ranging from student exchanges and scholarship programs to the development of educational facilities in each member country.
Quoting the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s (IPS) Elementary School/Islamic Elementary School (SD/MI) Grade A Equivalent Book entitled “Indonesia’s Record in ASEAN,” the founding members of ASEAN outlined the goals of cooperation in the field of education since August 8, 1967, since the organization’s founding.
This goal is enshrined in the Bangkok Declaration, particularly the third point, which prioritizes cooperation and mutual assistance in science and technology for the common good.
This cooperation is also reflected in the sixth point, namely promoting Southeast Asian studies.
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The following is an example of cooperation between ASEAN countries in the field of education.
1. Student exchange
Student exchange programs are run by ASEAN member countries. Indonesia itself has student exchange programs with Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos.
Not only for student exchanges, but also for scholarships for students. For example, the Singapore Government’s ASEAN Scholarship for Indonesia.
2. Internship Program
Indonesia and Thailand both have student internship programs. One example occurred during a student internship at Slamet Riyadi University in Solo, Central Java.
3. Teacher delivery
Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam have launched a program to send teachers from Indonesia. Furthermore, Indonesia and Cambodia have established a lecturer exchange program for higher education institutions in both countries.
4. Teacher training
Indonesia and Vietnam are developing a teacher training program. Not only are teachers trained, but the two countries are also sharing learning materials and methods for running schools in each other’s countries.
5. Development of educational facilities
Indonesia has assisted in the establishment of the Al Munawarah Madrasah in Davao, Philippines. Furthermore, Indonesia has built two schools in La Ma Chae Village and Thet Kay Pyia Ywar Ma Village in Myanmar.Indonesia telah membantu pendirian Madrasah Al Munawarah di Davao, Filipina. Selain itu, Indonesia telah membangun dua sekolah di Desa La Ma Chae dan Desa Thet Kay Pyia Ywar Ma di Myanmar.
6. Formation of social communities
Launching the SMP/MTs IPS Package B book equivalent to the Ministry of Education and Culture entitled “Together We Are Tangguh”, ASEAN member countries formed a social community called the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).Meluncurkan buku SMP/MTs IPS Paket B setara Kemendikbud bertajuk “Together We Are Tangguh”, negara-negara anggota ASEAN membentuk komunitas sosial yang disebut ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
This community works in the fields of arts and culture, information, education, village development, and poverty alleviation. It offers special activities such as the ASEAN Youth Congress and international student and cultural exchanges.
7. Advocacy for school dropouts
According to the official Asean website, the group also provides advocacy to help children and adolescents who have dropped out of school.
In addition, advocacy is provided so that governments in each country focus on providing safe and resilient schools for students.