The Struggle to Recruit Good Teachers in Indonesia: Institutional and Social Dysfunctions

This paper argues that the struggle is due to institutional, political economy, and social dynamics of the recruitment process

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
21 October 2020
Country:
Indonesia
Document Type:
Working Paper
Theme:
Education
First published:
29 June 2020
Authors:
Huang, A.R., Revina, S, Fillaili, R and Akhmadi

Abstract

Why is it so hard for Indonesia to recruit good teachers? We argue that the struggle to recruit good teachers are due to institutional, political economy, and social dynamics of the recruitment process. We will discuss three factors that underpin this issue. First, Indonesia’s dysfunctional teacher recruitment process as a byproduct of the country’s inchoate political and legal institutions. Second, the political economy “environment” of the teaching profession that prioritises stakeholder interests over education goals. Third, social expectations prioritising seniority rather than merit as indicators of teacher performance. We conclude with some directions for future steps to address said issues.

This research is part of the ‘Research on Improving Systems of Education’ programme

Citation

Huang, A.R., Revina, S., Fillaili, R., and Akhmadi. 2020. The Struggle to Recruit Good Teachers in Indonesia: Institutional and Social Dysfunctions. RISE Working Paper Series. 20/041. https://doi.org/10.35489/BSG-RISE-WP_2020/041.

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Published 21 October 2020
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