The provincial government of Central Java, the Kebumen regencial government and SF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an international standard school program with dormitory facilities bearing the name ”School International Program” (SIP) in Central Java. The MoU was signed by Kebumen Regent, KH. Mohammad Nashiruddin Al Masyur and SF Communication Director, Sapto H. Sakti. Deputy Governor of Central Java Province, Dra Rustriningsih M.Si; Head of Education Office, Youth and Sports Affairs of Kebumen Regency, Drs H. Mahar Moegiyono, HN; and SF Programs and Alumni Affairs Director Eddy Henry also witnessed the proceedings held at the Regent’s residence in Kebumen, Central Java on the 10^th of January, 2009.

The collaboration is part of SF’s ongoing programs in Central Java, which has been running since 2002. The programs include scholarships ranging from primary to post-graduate levels, teacher professional development through the Sampoerna Foundation Teacher Institute (SFTI), and quality improvement programs for Madrasahs (Islamic-based schools) at Pondok Pesantren Raudlatuth Tholibin - Rembang through the Madrasah Quality Improvement Program (MQIP).

”Besides the many education programs that SF has already conducted, we believe that the SIP will help students meet today’s global challenges as they become Indonesia’s future leaders and are expected to perform at the international level. The program will apply new methods for classroom instruction, as well as assessment and testing for students and teachers”, explained Sapto.

Central Java Provincial Government expressed its support for the program particularly in bringing educational development to the southern part of Central Java. Kebumen lies strategically alongside important cities such as of Cilacap - famous for its oil refineries - and Yogyakarta –the second largest tourist destination, after Denpasar. Therefore, the establishment of a SIP school there is expected to serve as a model school of international standards for Central Java as well. The SIP is free-of-charge for all students.

”We hope that by providing full scholarships, Sampoerna Academy will be able to provide promising students in Central Java –particularly those of Kebumen - better education opportunities so as to create higher quality students with strong leadership abilities, critical thinking skills, social concern for national and international issues as well as proficiency in the English language in order to pursue careers that are competitive and relevant,” Kebumen Regent, KH. Mohammad Nashiruddin Al Masyur said.

”…Sampoerna Academy will be able to provide promising students in Central Java – particularly those of Kebumen - better education opportunities,” Kebumen Regent, KH. Mohammad Nashiruddin Al Masyur said

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