School Funding and Social Justice: Addressing Disparities in Education Resources Across Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between school funding and social justice in Indonesia’s education system, focusing on the disparities in education resources between urban and rural schools. While the Indonesian government has made significant efforts to allocate funding to public education, there remains a wide gap in the distribution of resources, particularly in less developed regions. The research examines how unequal funding affects educational quality and outcomes, with particular attention to the availability of textbooks, infrastructure, and teacher training. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data from a range of schools, the paper analyzes how financial disparities contribute to the perpetuation of educational inequality. The findings suggest that while national policies aimed at increasing funding to underprivileged schools have been beneficial, significant challenges remain in ensuring that these funds are effectively distributed and used. The paper calls for targeted reforms that address funding disparities, particularly for rural and under-resourced schools, and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and accountability in the allocation of resources.