Jakarta. JIS Elementary School, an international school in Jakarta, launched its annual Indonesia Week on Monday (19/03) to engage teachers and parents in exploring the riches of Indonesian culture through a variety of events and performances.

"In line with the name of the school, culture becomes one of the most important elements and a foundation for the development of students' character ... through this event [we] can foster their love for Indonesia, their host country," said Elsa Donohue, the principal of JIS Elementary School.

In attendance at the opening ceremony was Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno, accompanied by South Jakarta Education Agency head H.Samlawi.

Themed "Exploring Indonesia," the culture week gives the students an opportunity to practice traditional dances under the guidance of professional instructors from Jakarta State University (UNJ), while their parents can learn to play gamelan, folk games, and participate in a storytelling workshop led by the founder of Ayo Dongeng Indonesia, librarian and raconteur Mochamad Ariyo Faridh Zidni (Kak Aio).

The school's students and teachers, who represent 65 diverse nations, are also encouraged to learn the Indonesian language.

"This is a great opportunity for us to explore and learn more about the beauty of Indonesia, which is also in the language. We want our students to become fluent in at least two languages — English and Bahasa Indonesia," Elsa said.

The introduction and reintroduction of Indonesian culture and history is a manifestation of the school's long-held vision that cultural awareness is essential in young people's upbringing.

In the previous years, JIS has celebrated other aspects of the country's heritage, including wayang shadow theater on World Puppetry Day, which falls on March 21.

Indonesia Week at JIS runs until Friday.

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