Education Infrastructure Crisis in Eastern Indonesia: Root Problems and Government Efforts to Reduce Dropout Rates

Jakarta, May 2025 - The disparity in education infrastructure between Western and Eastern Indonesia has reached alarming levels. Latest data shows that school dropout rates in Eastern Indonesia are 3 times higher than the national average, with inadequate infrastructure being the main cause.

The Bleak Picture of Education in Eastern Indonesia

Field investigations from some sources reveal shocking education conditions in Eastern Indonesia:

1. Deplorable Education Facilities

• 65% of schools in Papua and NTT have no libraries.

• 40% of school buildings are in severe disrepair.

• Only 15% of schools have basic laboratories.

2. Inhumane Access to Education

• Students in Papua's highlands must walk 4-5 hours to reach school.

• 30% of elementary students in NTT skip school during rainy season due to impassable roads.

• No adequate public transportation to schools.

3. Severe Social Impacts

• Adult illiteracy reaches 28% in Papua's interior.

• Only 1 in 10 children can continue to junior high school.

• Early marriages are increasing due to lack of education access.

 

Government Response: 2025 Priority Programs

Responding to this crisis, the government through Indonesian President's Press Release announced special policy packages:

1. Construction of 53 Community Schools

• To be built in 25 underdeveloped regencies.

• Equipped with dormitories and free meals.

• Earthquake and flood-resistant designs.

2. Education Infrastructure Revitalization

• Rp 5 trillion allocated for 1,000 school renovations.

• Provision of basic facilities: electricity, clean water, toilets.

• Construction of school access roads.

3. Enhanced Frontier Teacher Program

• Special incentives for teachers in remote areas.

• Teacher rotation system from cities to rural areas.

• Special training for multi-grade teaching.

 

Implementation Challenge Analysis

Education experts identify several serious obstacles:

1. Geographical Issues

• Difficult terrain hampers construction material distribution.

• Construction costs 3-5 times higher than in Java.

• Long rainy seasons limit construction time.

2. Budget Limitations

• Available funds only cover 40% of actual needs.

• Dependence on low-capacity regional budgets.

• Difficult budget absorption in remote areas.

3. Human Resource Problems

• Lack of construction experts in regions.

• High living costs deter contractors.

• Minimal quality control in construction.

 

Demands from Various Parties

House of Representatives Commission X emphasized in a meeting with the Education Ministry:

1. National Minimum School Infrastructure Standards.

2. Independent monitoring system for education projects.

3. Strict sanctions for education fund misuse.

Meanwhile, Civil Society Coalition for Education reminded:

1. Teacher quality improvement.

2. Relevant curriculum.

3. Support for poor students.

 

Future Roadmap

To achieve 2025 education development targets, experts recommend:

1. Holistic Approach

• Integration with health and social programs.

• Involvement of traditional and religious leaders.

• Vocational education based on local potential.

2. Technology Innovation

• Container emergency schools for isolated areas.

• Digital learning via satellite.

• Real-time construction monitoring systems.

3. Institutional Strengthening

• Special task force for underdeveloped regions.

• Reward system for high-performing regions.

• Active involvement of major universities.