Regional Autonomy and Education Decentralization: Implications and Challenges in the Management of Education in Indonesia

H. Husna

Abstract


Regional autonomy and education decentralization have been strategic policies implemented in Indonesia since the reform era to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of educational services. Through the transfer of authority from the central government to local governments, education management is expected to become more responsive to local needs and better able to encourage community participation in decision-making processes. This policy also aims to accelerate improvements in educational quality through innovation and strengthened local capacity, however, the implementation of regional autonomy in the education sector presents various implications and challenges. Disparities in fiscal capacity and human resources among regions contribute to unequal quality of educational services. In addition, coordination issues between central and local governments, regulatory inconsistencies, and weak oversight systems hinder the realization of accountable and sustainable education governance. Other challenges include the uneven distribution of teachers, limited infrastructure, and differing policy priorities across regions, therefore, strengthening local institutional capacity, harmonizing central and local policies, and establishing effective monitoring and evaluation systems are essential to ensure that education decentralization genuinely contributes to improving national education quality and equity. With synergistic and quality-oriented governance, regional autonomy can serve as a strategic instrument in developing an inclusive and equitable education system in Indonesia

Full Text:

Download PDF

References


Amin, S., Abinnashih, I., & Dewi, R. C. (2025). Utilizing CBT-based e-learning to enhance the quality of education at MTs N 2 Purbalingga. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Arfani, A. A. D., Fintani, P. S., Falasifa, T., & dkk. (2025). Implementation of the incentive grant policy by the Central Java provincial government for non-formal religious education teachers at BADKO LPQ in Belik subdistrict. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Bakar, A. B. A., & Ridho, M. R. (2025). The impact of human psychological conditions on the application of Islamic law in determining the validity of worship. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Bida, O. (2021). Decentralization policy and local education disparities in Southeast Sulawesi Province. Asian Journal of Public Administration Science, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.47828/jianaasian.v9i1.59

Casudi, C., Rizki, H. D., Normasari, S. W., Isyrina, P. L., & Miskiyyah, E. R. (2025). Integration of character education in Aqidah Akhlaq learning for fourth grade students at Madrasah Diniyah Baabussalam, Kemukten Village. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam, 5(2).

Faiz, M. A., Amin, S., Sari, E. N., & dkk. (2025). Enhancing Qur’anic memorization through the Yanbu’a method: The role of Tahfidz teachers at SD Takhassus Al-Qur’an Walisanga Tanjung. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Fariduddin, E. I. (2025). Fiqh education in the age of digital clicks and social conflict: Preserving Islam Nusantara amidst social fragmentation. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam, 5(1).

Fatwa, M., & Sa’diyah, M. (2025). Building the mental of santri through 40 days of sunnah fasting (A study at Pondok Pesantren Darul Amanah Sukorejo Kendal). AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Firmansyah. (2025). The purpose of education from the perspective of hadith in instilling Islamic values dynamically in daily life. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam, 5(2).

Handayani, F., Basari, M. H., & dkk. (2025). Implementation of boarding school learning in building religious character at SMA Daarul Qur’an Bandung. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Harahap, E. K. (2016). Management of educational autonomy in Indonesia. Ri'ayah: Social and Religious Journal, 1(02).

Hasani, K., Khojir, K., Saparuddin, M., & Munawaroh, A. A. F. (2025). Implementation of multicultural education in Islamic religious education learning to foster tolerance and brotherhood in Junior High School (SMPN) 2 Samarinda. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Ishak, D. (2022). Review of education decentralization policy in Indonesia. PAPATUNG: Journal of Public Administration, Government and Politics, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.54783/japp.v5i1.497

Latifah, Y. D. (2025). Challenges and strategies in strengthening the implementation of the independent curriculum in Islamic religious education learning. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam, 5(2).

Mabruri, M. O., Amin, S., & dkk. (2025). The use of the Quran Belajar Indonesia application in Quran learning at Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah Awaliyah (MDTA) Hidayatut Tholabah, Tegalreja Village, Banjarharjo District, Brebes Regency. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Madani, R. A. (2019). Analysis of educational quality, a goal of education for all policy. Higher Education Studies, 9(1).

Mahrita, M., Afnanda, M., & dkk. (2025). The concept of creed on Allah decree in the Nussa and Rarra animated film. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Mukhlis, M. (2025). The effectiveness of the Lok-R model in enhancing academic achievement in the Islamic Religious Education study program. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.

Qomariyah, A. A., & Anggraini, F. S. (2025). Implementation of Islamic religious education learning in the independent curriculum using the Jigsaw method to enhance student activeness at SMAN 1 Kutorejo. AL GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemikiran Islam.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


PT BARITO KREATIF AMANAH BARKAH
Jl. Belitung Darat, No 123, RT 16, RW 02, Belitung Selatan, 
Kec. Banjarmasin Barat, Banjarmasin, Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan
SERTIFIKAT PENDAFTARAN NO : AHU-074360.AH.01.30.Tahun 2024, NIB: 1612240011599
Email: baritokreatifamanah@gmail.com