Too Poor for School: Economic Barriers to Education in Banten

Sometimes, families who can afford to send their children to the private or non-Open Middle Schools are choosing not to in order to save money, despite those schools often having greater capacity and resources available. This increases the competition for induction and enrolment into Open Middle Schools, putting further strain on the families who are struggling economically and cannot meet the expense of schooling outside the Open Middle School system.

Ironically, one factor that is preventing the demand for free middle schooling from spiraling entirely out of control is the limited promotion of these Open Middle Schools. The government funding that is available to families to support their children through the mandatory nine years of education also helps to reduce demand for Open Middle Schools.

Indonesia has a budget for operational aids for the students, at a rate of 20 percent of the country’s annual education budget.

Students registered in the National Education Information Database are directly and automatically eligible for governmental support up to Rp 1 million per year.

Every registered student is allocated a portion of the school operational fund (BOSNA) and a smart card allowing them access to free schooling at both public and private institutions, Doni says.  

This funding has also been used to create model schools that encourage creativity and fosters a life-long love of learning.

However, the existence of government-funded education help is not heavily publicized, so many parents and families of struggling students are not aware of such schemes.

Susi was utterly bewildered at the prospect of such a program but met the idea of it with enthusiasm. Upon hearing of the scheme, she decided to register her daughter as soon as possible, to give her the best possible chance of success in such an uncertain time.

Ayu plays with other children in her neighborhood. Photo by Hannah Orr.

“I really want Ayu to become someone… She has dreams, she has the spirit, and [with some financial assistance] I believe she can achieve it.”

Amy Hinchliffe | Edlyn Felicia | David Julianto | Hannah Orr

Amy Hinchliffe and Hannah Orr visited Indonesia with support from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan mobility program.

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