The Indonesian Diaspora in Improving the Quality of Education: Public Policy Analysis and Human Resource Development
Keywords:
Indonesian diaspora; Immigrants; Alternative education; Public policy; Human resource developmentAbstract
The mobility of Indonesian migrant workers to Malaysia presents significant public policy challenges, particularly in ensuring the educational rights of immigrant children. Limitations in the host country’s education policies, coupled with weak integration of policies for the protection of Indonesian citizens abroad, have resulted in several immigrant children being excluded from the formal education system. This article aims to analyse the role of the Indonesian diaspora in improving the quality of education for immigrant children in Malaysia and its implications for human resource development and public policy. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a policy study design based on literature analysis and limited field data. Data were collected through a review of reputable journals indexed in Scopus and SINTA, policy documents, and reports from international organisations. The findings indicate that the Indonesian diaspora plays a significant role as a non-state actor in filling policy gaps by providing community-based alternative education, advocating for educational rights, and strengthening the basic capacities of immigrant children. However, these efforts face sustainability challenges due to the lack of formal recognition, limited funding, and weak bilateral policy coordination. This article emphasises the importance of cross-national collaborative policies that recognise and strengthen the diaspora’s role as a strategic partner in building an inclusive, human rights-oriented education system.
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