Closing the gap: Evaluating local government initiatives to enhance basic education access and quality

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Abstract

The efforts of local government to improve access and quality of basic education can reduce educational disparities (Pansiri, 2008). This research aims to describe disparities and the impact of local government initiatives on access to and the quality of primary education in Papua, specifically in Merauke Regency. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study examines the efforts of local government officials, education figures, and the local community through snowball sampling for informant selection. Data collection methods include observations, open-ended interviews, focused group discussions (FGD), and structured interviews. The study employs instruments such as gross enrollment ratio (APK), net enrollment ratio (APM), student-school distance, teacher-student ratios, and evaluations of infrastructure and dropout rates. Data analysis categorizes information according to problem themes. The findings reveal significant educational disparities in Papua, with school participation rates below the national average. Contributing factors include limited access to educational facilities, long distances between homes and schools, and economic challenges. Despite these issues, local government initiatives like infrastructure development, scholarship programs, and transportation improvements have positively impacted access to and the quality of primary education in Papua. These efforts demonstrate progress but continued focus on these areas is needed to further reduce educational disparities and improve outcomes for students.

Keywords: Education Disparities, Local Government Initiatives, Education Access, Education Quality

Authors’ individual contribution: Conceptualization — P.R.; Methodology — P.R. and J.; Validation — P.R. and H.H.; Formal Analysis — P.R. and J.; Investigation — P.R. and H.H.; Resources — P.R. and J.; Data Curation — P.R. and J.; Writing — Original Draft — P.R.; Writing — Review & Editing P.R. and J.; Supervision — J. and H.H.; Project Administration — P.R. and J.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: H52, H75, I21

Received: 24.02.2024
Accepted: 22.01.2025
Published online: 28.01.2025

How to cite this paper: Riyanto, P., Junaidi, & Humaid, H. (2025). Closing the gap: Evaluating local government initiatives to enhance basic education access and quality. Corporate Law & Governance Review, 7(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.22495/clgrv7i1p7