The Need G.E.P.'s Indonesia Division was established in 1999 in the town of Wonosari, on the central island of Java. In the 1960's, 70's and 80's, Indonesia's economy grew steadily, and the government made strong investments in education. Education levels, literacy and employment were above average for a developing country. However, the 1998 economic crisis cancelled out much of this development. Indonesians have suffered a sudden decline in their standard of living.
Indonesian schools are hard-pressed to maintain their previous standards.
The materials needed by both students and teachers are in short supply. Communities and schools used to government subsidies are now searching for ways to cope with the situation. There is a textbook shortage, which affects both class participation and lesson planning. Prices for such books are well beyond the average family's budget. The few students with computer access are merely exposed to old software with no commercial application.