Pregnancy and the Right to Education: Legal and Social Dimensions of Expelling Adolescent Girls in Indonesia

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy remains a highly stigmatized phenomenon in many societies, with significant implications for the right to education. In Indonesia, a growing number of schools expel pregnant students, raising critical questions about the intersection of gender, law, and social norms. This article examines the legal and social dimensions of such expulsions, analyzing how education policies, school regulations, and cultural attitudes shape the experiences of adolescent girls. While the Indonesian Constitution and national education laws formally guarantee the right to education, these rights often clash with prevailing moral and social expectations surrounding teenage pregnancy. Using a combination of policy analysis, case studies, and media reports, the study reveals that school expulsions are not merely administrative decisions but are influenced by broader societal pressures, including stigma, community norms, and gendered expectations of morality. The findings highlight a persistent gap between formal legal protections and actual educational practices, illustrating how adolescent girls’ rights are subordinated to normative social judgments. Moreover, the expulsions have long-term consequences for the social and economic well-being of affected students, perpetuating cycles of inequality and limiting opportunities for upward mobility. The article argues that addressing this issue requires more than legal reform; it demands integrated strategies that combine rights-based education policies, community engagement, and awareness-raising initiatives to challenge stigma and support pregnant students’ continued education. By situating the issue of school expulsions within broader debates on gender justice, educational equity, and adolescent rights, the study contributes to international scholarship on education, law, and social policy in developing contexts.