Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) Pluit Village is one of the five campuses of SPH, a well-regarded international school network in Indonesia. Located in a dynamic, urban environment, SPH Pluit Village offers an enriching Physical Education (PE) program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 10. With plans to expand the program to include Grade 12 in the near future, the school is constantly growing and adapting to meet the needs of its students.
At the heart of this program is Oliver Matthew Caja, a seasoned PE teacher with 20 years of experience in the field. Originally from the Philippines, Oliver has taught in various countries, including Saudi Arabia and now Indonesia. His international experience brings a unique perspective to SPH’s PE curriculum, which blends physical activity with cultural appreciation. As Oliver puts it, teaching internationally offers a lot of “opportunity to experience new culture and meet people, to learn new curriculum, to grow professionally and to travel.”
A Unique Blend of Sports and Culture
One of the standout features of SPH Pluit Village’s PE program is its inclusion of traditional games from Indonesia, the Philippines, and China. “We have included traditional games in our PE curriculum,” Oliver shares. “This happens during the celebration of ‘Culture Week’. It is a program that celebrates the culture and tradition of Indonesia, Chinese, and Filipinos.” These traditional games are more than just fun—they reflect the rich heritage of each region.
Traditional Games from Indonesia:
In our interview with Oliver, he didn’t mention these games specifically, but we wanted to highlight traditional Indonesian games to inspire your PE program!
Gobak Sodor is played by two teams: one team guards lines drawn on the ground, while the other team tries to cross these lines and reach the other side without being tagged by the guards. The guarding team must stay on their lines and block the opposing team from passing, and the game continues until all players from one side have either crossed successfully or been tagged.
In Egrang, players walk or race while balancing on tall bamboo stilts, testing their coordination and balance. The goal is to reach the finish line without falling off the stilts, and the player who maintains balance and speed the best wins.
In Bakiak, teams of players wear long wooden clogs that fit multiple people, requiring them to coordinate their steps as they walk or race together. The objective is to move in unison towards the finish line, and the team that stays synchronized and crosses the line first wins.
In addition to the cultural focus, SPH also emphasizes fun and engaging physical activities that resonate with younger students. According to Oliver, some of the favorite pieces of equipment among his students include parachutes, hoops, and scooter boards, particularly for the Grade 1 and 2 classes. For older students, in Grades 3-5, jump ropes and team-building games are a hit!
Incorporating Local Traditions
Incorporating local culture is a key component of the PE program at SPH Pluit Village. During Indonesian Independence Day celebrations, students participate in traditional Indonesian games, from Kindergarten all the way through to Grade 10. This not only teaches students about local customs but also allows them to engage in physical activity in a way that feels deeply connected to the community they are a part of.
Overcoming Challenges in an International Setting
Teaching PE in an international school setting presents its own set of challenges. For Oliver, adapting to a new curriculum is one of them. “Learning the curriculum is one of the challenges,” he says. Additionally, SPH Pluit Village faces some limitations when it comes to facilities, as the campus is currently attached to a mall. This has restricted the indoor sports activities that can be offered. However, plans are already underway to build a dedicated space for the school’s growing PE needs, with completion expected in the next two to three years.
A Message to Fellow PE Teachers
Despite the challenges, Oliver remains optimistic and offers a valuable piece of advice to his fellow PE teachers: “Let us continue to equip ourselves to adapt to the current challenges of teaching Physical Education.” His passion for the subject is clear, and his commitment to helping students enjoy physical activity is reflected in his approach to teaching.
When asked what he hopes students will remember most from their time in PE at SPH Pluit Village, Oliver’s response is simple yet profound: “Physical Education is a FUN activity that can be enjoyed by everyone.” His emphasis on fun, coupled with the cultural and physical development opportunities provided by the program, ensures that students leave with lasting memories and a positive relationship with physical fitness.
The PE program at Sekolah Pelita Harapan Pluit Village goes beyond physical fitness—it is a celebration of cultural diversity, teamwork, and fun. Under the guidance of dedicated educators like Oliver Matthew Caja, students are not only staying active but also learning valuable life skills and cultural appreciation. The future of the program looks bright, with plans for expansion and new facilities on the horizon. For the students of SPH Pluit Village, PE is more than just a class—it’s an experience that builds community, resilience, and joy.
For more information about SPH Pluit Village and their programs, you can visit their website here.
