On Wednesday (August 23, 2023), Andy Omara, S.H., MPub&IntLaw., Ph.D., conducted a legal outreach session on the topic “Enhancing Understanding of Yogyakarta’s Special Status Among Students at International Schools in Yogyakarta.” The session was attended by 16 eighth-grade students and 1 teacher from the Jogjakarta Montessori Secondary School (JMSS).
The choice of JMSS as the venue for the legal education session was based on several reasons. First, as an “international” elementary and secondary school, JMSS employs the Montessori method, in which local content related to Yogyakarta’s special status is not a primary focus of instruction. Second, in the JMSS learning process, English serves as the language of instruction, so the use of Indonesian and Javanese is very limited. Third, the diverse backgrounds of JMSS students result in exposure to two distinct cultures. This exposure to two distinct cultures is particularly critical, especially in assessing students’ understanding of how government positions are filled in many other regions, which differs from the process in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
In his presentation, Andy Omara provided an overview of the factors that led to Yogyakarta being granted its special status. The explanation regarding Yogyakarta’s special status was further elaborated based on the legal framework governing the appointment of officials, the structure of government, and other aspects specifically regulated in Law No. 13 of 2012 on the Special Status of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Pemaparan topik penyuluhan hukum ini merupakan wujud ejawantah Fakultas Hukum UGM akan poin ke-4 SDGs dalam menciptakan “Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”. Quality Education dalam hal ini tidak hanya berupa kesempatan yang luas bagi siswa mendapatkan international standard education, tetapi juga memahami nilai luhur masyarakat setempatnya.
Writer: Pramita Putri Rahmadhani
