From its humble beginnings to its current standing BPK Penabur Kota Wisata stands as a testament to faith perseverance and educational excellence. Located in the vibrant Kota Wisata area this institution wasn’t always a prominent landmark.
BPK Penabur’s story begins long before its establishment in Cibubur. Its roots trace back to 1948. A committee formed under the then Tiong Hoa Kie Tok Kauw Hwee Khu Hwee Djawa Barat church. This committee aimed to establish Christian schools. Reverend Pouw Peng Hong a visionary leader provided crucial support. This support helped in fundraising and teacher recruitment.
The post-World War II era saw the transfer of some educational institutions from Dutch missionaries to Indonesian churches. BPK Penabur inherited this legacy. This legacy laid the foundation for BPK Penabur’s growth. The initial years involved establishing evening schools in Jakarta. The schools used old missionary buildings. Bandung’s approach differed focusing on faith building rather than teacher training.
In 1950 the Badan Pendidikan THKTKHKH Djabar was officially born. This was a separate entity from the church. It organized its administration. Ong Teng Houw Liem Boen Liong and Lie Bo Tay led this new organization. Its assets were dispersed across six cities. Jakarta had five campuses Bandung three. Cirebon Sukabumi Jatibarang and Indramayu also had campuses. The main office initially resided in Bandung but later moved to Jakarta.
The 1950s saw BPK Penabur expand to other cities. The expansion was to cities where the THKTKHKH church already had a presence. Tasikmalaya saw the start of a school in 1953. Cianjur followed in 1955 Bogor in 1958 and Cimahi in 1961. Metro joined in 1967. The existing schools also saw improvements and expansion. Dutch missionaries provided funds for a school in Bandung. New primary and junior high schools opened in Bandung. A pharmacy vocational high school was also added. A senior high school started in 1965. This school became SMAK 1 BPK Penabur Bandung.
In 1967 the organization’s name changed to Yayasan Badan Pendidikan Kristen Djawa Barat (BPK Djabar). The name change reflected its open approach to all ethnicities. The change also emphasized its Christian values.
From 1968 to 1989 the organization continued expanding. Bandar Lampung and Rengasdengklok saw the addition of schools in 1974. Cicurug added a school in 1975. Serang joined in 1989. Local assistance committees (KPS) in various cities further spurred development. The expansion led to the name change in 1989 to Badan Pendidikan Kristen Penabur (BPK Penabur). This name better reflected its wider reach. The official name change happened in 1989. It was recognized in the National News of Indonesia.
Today BPK Penabur Kota Wisata stands tall a testament to its rich history. It represents a commitment to quality Christian education. The institution continues to nurture future generations. It serves as a beacon of learning and faith within the Kota Wisata community.