REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — A study conducted by Article 33 revealed that students from disadvantaged families tend to be in low-quality schools. On the other hand, students from well-to-do families gather in quality schools.
"Poor students tend to enroll in state schools which are considered not superior, or in private schools which are also of lower quality," said one of the Article 33 researchers, Santoso, in a press release. Republika.co.id, Wednesday (10/5).
From this research, Santoso said, there are two factors that cause poor people's low access to quality education. First, the quality of education is uneven, seen from the accreditation status of schools and learning outcomes (National Examination results). Second, it relates to the new student selection mechanism. "Poor students who lose out in terms of academic quality will find it increasingly difficult to enter quality schools," he said.
According to Santoso, with the selection mechanism for the level of academic ability in quality schools, people who come from quality schools will be able to enter quality schools at the next stage.
"Education should provide opportunities for poor people to expand their opportunities to reach a higher economic level," said Santoso.
Indonesia has collaborated with the Knowledge Sector Initiative (KSI) Program, DFAT-Australia for approximately the last four years. KSI provides support for Article 33 Indonesia research. one of his researches is entitled "Quality Education for Whom? Study on Gaps in Poor Communities' Access to Quality Education.”
Article 33 Indonesia is a research institution for social change in the form of an association. Article 33 focuses on two working models. First, producing knowledge. Quality knowledge products to encourage progressive policies based on evidence.
Second, advocacy for progressive policies. Continuing post-research work by encouraging relevant policy-making processes with healthy contestation mechanisms, and involving public participation.
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