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(Aug. 1, 2025 / JNS)
Indonesia’s new national school curriculum significantly improves portrayals of Jews, Israel and minority communities, according to a report released by IMPACT-se, an international watchdog that evaluates textbooks for tolerance and peace.
“The curriculum now presents a more balanced and tolerant portrayal of Jews and removes antisemitic stereotypes from previous textbooks,” it said in a press release. “Although there is little reference to Israel, new textbooks drop hostile portrayals.”
The report, published on July 31, assesses more than 40 textbooks from Indonesia’s “Merdeka Curriculum,” comparing them to the older 2013 curriculum. The findings show a notable move toward inclusivity and a departure from religious and ethnic stereotypes.
“It is very encouraging to see that Indonesia’s textbooks are on a firm trajectory of growing inclusivity,” said IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff. “Negative portrayals of Israel found in earlier editions have been removed, signaling a more neutral and responsible educational approach.”
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Indonesia’s new national school curriculum significantly improves portrayals of Jews, Israel and minority communities, according to a report released by IMPACT-se, an international watchdog that evaluates textbooks for tolerance and peace.
“The curriculum now presents a more balanced and tolerant portrayal of Jews and removes antisemitic stereotypes from previous textbooks,” it said in a press release. “Although there is little reference to Israel, new textbooks drop hostile portrayals.”
The report, published on July 31, assesses more than 40 textbooks from Indonesia’s “Merdeka Curriculum,” comparing them to the older 2013 curriculum. The findings show a notable move toward inclusivity and a departure from religious and ethnic stereotypes.
“It is very encouraging to see that Indonesia’s textbooks are on a firm trajectory of growing inclusivity,” said IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff. “Negative portrayals of Israel found in earlier editions have been removed, signaling a more neutral and responsible educational approach.”

Indonesian textbooks show improved attitudes on Jews, Israel
"The curriculum now presents a more balanced and tolerant portrayal of Jews and removes antisemitic stereotypes from previous textbooks."
