Addressing Educational Inequality in Indonesia: Policy Challenges and Digital Solutions for Disadvantaged Regions

Suarlin; Elpisah M.Pd; Nurfadila MY

doi:10.62462/edelweiss.v3i3.97

Authors

Suarlin Universitas Negeri Makassar
Elpisah M.Pd Universitas Negeri Makassar
Nurfadila MY Universitas Negeri Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62462/edelweiss.v3i3.97

Keywords:

Educational inequality, 3T regions, Merdeka Curriculum

Abstract

This study examines educational inequality in Indonesia, focusing on the most disadvantaged regions, particularly the 3T (terluar, terdepan, tertinggal) areas. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of key policies, such as the Merdeka Curriculum and Indonesia Pintar (PIP) program, and assess the role of digital solutions in addressing disparities in educational access and quality. Despite various government initiatives, educational inequality in Indonesia remains persistent, driven by factors including economic constraints, teacher quality, social exclusion, and regional disparities. The study reveals that although some policies and digital solutions have shown promise, major barriers remain, such as inadequate policy implementation, unequal teacher distribution, poor infrastructure, and limited access to technology, particularly in rural areas. The research uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to synthesize existing studies from both international and regional perspectives. The findings highlight significant gaps in educational outcomes between urban and rural students, and within the 3T regions, with disparities in years of schooling, literacy rates, and access to higher education. Additionally, while the use of technology in education presents opportunities for bridging educational gaps, issues like digital illiteracy and limited infrastructure hinder its full implementation. This study offers valuable insights into the challenges and solutions for achieving educational equity in Indonesia and provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators, and communities working to reduce disparities and improve long-term educational outcomes in remote areas.

References

Aditya, D. S. (2021). Embarking Digital Learning Due to COVID-19: are Teachers Ready? Journal of Technology and Science Education, 11(1), 104–116. https://doi.org/10.3926/JOTSE.1109

Aini, M. A. (2025). Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equitable Access to Education Technology. 3(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.70610/edujavare.v3i1.800

Ali, M. I., Ismail, A., & MY, N. (2025). The Effect of STEAM-Based Environmental Learning on Students ’ Ecoliteracy Level at SDI Hartaco Indah Makassar. Journal Iof IInnovative and Creativity, 5(2), 11280–11288.

Amin, A. M., Asani, R. N. C. P., Wattimena, C. R. J., & Yuniasih, A. F. (2020). Determinan ketimpangan capaian pendidikan di indonesia tahun 2017. 2019(1), 593–601. https://doi.org/10.34123/SEMNASOFFSTAT.V2019I1.212

Anwar, C., Komariyah, L., Aznem, A., Hasbar, H., Payung, L. T., & Kesuma, A. H. (2025). Evaluasi Kebijakan Pendidikan Inklusif di Indonesia: Pendekatan CIPP dan Perspektif Keadilan Sosial. Journal of Education Research, 6(3), 739–750. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v6i3.2576

Anwar, I. (2025). Bridging Educational Inequalities with Future AI in Advancing SDG 4. 3(2), 43–47. https://doi.org/10.70356/jafotik.v3i2.82

Çelik, Ç. (2024). Principles of Equality. Advances in Educational Marketing, Administration, and Leadership Book Series, 23–52. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-5782-8.ch002

Fadhil, I., & Sabic-El-Rayess, A. (2021). Providing Equity of Access to Higher Education in Indonesia: A Policy Evaluation. 3(1), 57–75. https://doi.org/10.23917/IJOLAE.V3I1.10376

Fismariza, W., & Ofianto, O. (2025). Teknologi sebagai Solusi untuk Meningkatkan Akses Pendidikan di Daerah Terpencil. Tsaqofah, 5(4), 3604–3617. https://doi.org/10.58578/tsaqofah.v5i4.6408

Fitri, N. E., Panggabean, E. E., Amalia, N. D., Hanum, I., & Harahap, S. H. (2024). Kurikulum dan Realitas Sosial: Sebuah Tinjauan Teoritis tentang Disparitas Implementasi Kurikulum antara Daerah Perkotaan dan Daerah Terpencil. Indonesian Journal of Education and Development Research, 2(2), 1473–1484. https://doi.org/10.57235/ijedr.v2i2.2632

Fitriansyah, R., Fatinah, L., & Syahril, M. (2020). Critical Review: Professional Development Programs to Face Open Educational Resources in Indonesia. 2(2), 109–119. https://doi.org/10.23917/IJOLAE.V2I2.9662

Indriaty, D., Astriani, D., Sabrifha, E., & Aqilla, L. (2025). Strategi Kebijakan Pendidikan dalam Menghadapi Ketimpangan Sosial dan Budaya. PEMA/Pema, 5(2), 551–565. https://doi.org/10.56832/pema.v5i2.1258

Jayadi, U., Harahap, A., & Aslan, A. (2024). Educational Landscape in Indonesia in 2023: Challenges and Opportunities. International Journal of Education and Digital Learning, 2(2), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.47353/ijedl.v2i2.266

Judijanto, L. (2025). Challenges and Opportunities in Education Equity through the 13-Year Compulsory Education Program in Indonesia. The Eastasouth Journal of Learning and Educations, 3(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.58812/esle.v3i01.510

Kumar, A., Sharma, P., Patel, R., Gupta, A. Sen, & Singh, V. (2024). Educational Inequality and Its Impact on Social and Economic Opportunities in Rural India. International Journal of Humanities, Management and Social Science (IJ-HUMASS), 7(2), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.36079/lamintang.ij-humass-0702.697

Kusuma, J. W., Hamidah, H., Umalihayati, U., & Rini, P. P. (2024). Mengurai Benang Kusut Kebijakan Pendidikan Indonesia: Sebuah Literature Review Analitik. JURNAL ILMIAH GLOBAL EDUCATION, 5(2), 1810–1826. https://doi.org/10.55681/jige.v5i2.2772

Masseru, H., & Ishartiwi, I. (2025). Evaluation of Differentiated Learning for Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classes at TK Pembina Kabupaten Kutai Timur. Electronic Journal of Education, Social Economics and Technology. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:281270688

Mujiburrohman, Putri, D., & Sabic-El-Rayess, F. (2024). The Impact of Social Inequality on Educational Quality in Indonesia: Challenges and Policy Recommendations. https://doi.org/10.61455/sujiem.v3i01.248

Mulyaman, D., & Catherine, C. (2022). Comparative Analysis on South Korea and Indonesia’s Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Resilience Amidst The COVID-19 Pandemic. Humaniora, 13(3), 265–275. https://doi.org/10.21512/humaniora.v13i3.7734

Muslimin, M., & Indrawati, R. A. (2024). Digitalization and Education Equity in Remote Areas: Challenges and Strategic Solutions. Journal of Education, Humaniora and Social Sciences, 7(2), 376–383. https://doi.org/10.34007/jehss.v7i2.2356

MY, N., Ardiansyah, M., & Sarbani, A. A. (2025). Meningkatkan Keaktifan Siswa Melalui Model Project Based Learning dengan Meningkatkan Keaktifan Siswa Melalui Model Project Based Learning dengan Pendekatan TPACK. Pinisi Journal PGSD, 5(March), 62–68.

Nurfadilah, A., Aditya, D. S., & Aslan, F. (2024). Implementation of Equal Distribution of Education for Indonesia’s Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost Regions. Socio Politica, 14(1), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.15575/socio-politica.v14i1.30183

Pijoh, F. E. (2025). Gender Analysis in Higher Education Access in Remote Areas. 2(3), 185–195. https://doi.org/10.64924/ww7pv774

Rahman, A., & Robandi, B. (2024). Foundations of Kurikulum Merdeka development in elementary education (from a philosophical perspective). Inovasi Kurikulum. https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v21i1.65859

Rahman, W. A. B. B. A., Asha, L., & Fakhruddin, F. (2024). The Analysis of the Comparison of the Education System in Indonesia: Perspectives on Gaps and Innovation. The Future of Education Journal, 3(5), 2009–2016. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v3i5.340

Sari, T. N., & Jasiah, J. (2025). Membangun Pendidikan Berkeadilan: Mengatasi Masalah Pemerataan Pendidikan Antara Daerah dan Perkotaan. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 6(4), 1723–1731. https://doi.org/10.59141/japendi.v6i4.7661

Setiadi, A. E., & Muhafidin, D. (2024). The Effectiveness of Teacher Certification Policy in Addressing the Teacher Crisis in Indonesia. International Journal of Science and Society, 6(2), 861–873. https://doi.org/10.54783/ijsoc.v6i2.1245

Setyadi, S. (2022). Inequality of Education in Indonesia by Gender, Socioeconomic Background and Government Expenditure. Eko-Regional. https://doi.org/10.32424/1.erjpe.2022.17.1.2895

Smith, W. C., Aktas, F., Barlete, A. L., & Horner, L. K. (2025). Equality, Equity, and Social Justice in Education Policy: Illustrative Examples From Brazil and South Africa. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1999

Sunarya, D. T. (2025). The Exclusion Process in Education in Indonesia: an Analysis of Social and Policy Deprivation Factors. Journal of Social Research, 4(6), 923–929. https://doi.org/10.55324/josr.v4i6.2538

Syabily, A. A., Sarı, İ., & Ilmi, S. (2024). The Post- Covid-19 Pandemic Learning Loss in 3T Regions, What Can We Try? Journal of Health and Behavioral Science, 6(4), 459–469. https://doi.org/10.35508/jhbs.v6i4.18511

Tanudjojo, J. S. (2024). Building Effective Philanthropy through Strategic Partnerships. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009400565.005

Widiastuti, A. (2021). Merancang Strategi Mengajar di Era Kurikulum Merdeka. Alfabeta.

Widiastuti, I. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Education Policies in Indonesia: Challenges, Achievement, and Future Direction. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i2.6803

Yoyon, A., & Hermanto, H. (2025). Analysis of Assistive Technology Needs for Inclusive Education in the Early Childhood Education Development Sector of the East Kutai Regency Education Office. Electronic Journal of Education, Social Economics and Technology, 6(2), 1018.