Attraction of Authority: The Indonesian Experience of Educational Decentralization
Sumintono, B., Hariri, H., and Izzati, U.A. (2023). Attraction of Authority: The Indonesian Experience of Educational Decentralization. In: Sakhiyya, Z., Wijaya Mulya, T. (eds) Education in Indonesia, Critical Perspectives on Equity and Social Justice. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1878-2_10
Abstract
The fall of the New Order government in 1998 changed the landscape of Indonesian education from a highly centralized system to a decentralized one. With this paradigm shift, district governments received a transfer of power in most public sectors in 2001, including education. The central questions in this chapter are: (1) How has Indonesia managed education in the decentralization era? and (2) How has the country managed the changes so far? Four key issues are discussed, namely, new regime of standardization, school operational cost, teachers and principals, and National Exam. We argue that Indonesian educational decentralization has mostly been about legitimacy and authority dialectics between local/district and central institutions. Moving from a highly centralized system to a more locally oriented one contests the legitimacy of each actor involved, resulting in competition for resources and survival. Nevertheless, we also identified some advances in terms of social justice and student learning support in this process of decentralization.
'Creative Schools' book review by Maroof Ahmed
Mr Marook Ahmed, an MA in education student from Pakistan provide popular book entitle "Creative Schools" by Sir Ken Robinson. This book is an inspiring call for educational reform. Robinson critiques the standardized approach to learning, advocating for a system that nurtures individual creativity and diverse talents. He highlights real-world success stories of innovative schools and educators who prioritize student engagement and exploration. Through engaging anecdotes and compelling arguments, Robinson challenges conventional methods and offers a vision for an education that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. While the book's ideas are invigorating, some may find its practical implementation challenging. Overall, "Creative Schools" urges a reimagining of education to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW1pFfUfxjE
International Conference on Educational Leadership and Asian Culture (ICELAC) 2023
Dr Bambang Sumintono, the faculty member of FoE UIII, has presented as one of the Plenary Speaker for the International Conference on Educational Leadership and Asian Culture (ICELAC) 2023. Dr Sumintono presented topic about Islamic Educational Leadership: Southeast Asia Perspectives. The conference organized by Faculty of Education, Universiti Manitoba, Canada and School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. ICELAC 2023 was successfully held online (via Webex) and attracted 571 registered participants from 31 countries worldwide who jointly explored prospects and developments in educational leadership and Asian culture.
The official news about the conference: https://news.usm.my/index.php/english-news/9338-usm-co-hosted-icelac-2023-promoting-asian-culture-and-research-on-development-of-educational-leadership?fbclid=IwAR0Nu6eJ7ciilOrdpbvismpOhlyLU6KcwzyDp7JoZqaHjGq1TY-mOHhMmNY
Advancing TVET in Indonesia: Insights from Dr. Abdul Malik's Lecture at FoE
Advancing TVET in Indonesia: Insights from Dr. Abdul Malik's Lecture at FoE
August 05, 2023
Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
On July 14, 2023, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) had the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest lecturer, Dr. Abdul Malik, from the National Accreditation Agency for Schools/Madrasahs (Badan Akreditasi Nasional Sekolah/Madrasah). The online lecture focused on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy in Indonesia.
Dr. Malik commenced the lecture with a comprehensive overview of TVET within the National Education System, emphasizing its significance in Indonesia's education landscape. He then delved into the National Vocational Education and Training Portfolio, providing an outline of the available vocational education and training programs in the country.
Throughout his lecture, Dr. Malik discussed the institutional framework supporting vocational education and training in Indonesia. This framework involves various ministries, professional associations, and independent accreditation boards, all working collaboratively to ensure the quality and relevance of TVET.
Addressing the challenges faced by TVET, Dr. Malik highlighted issues such as the lack of demand-side perspective, the variable basis for program design and curricula, and difficulties in competency assessment and certification. Additionally, he brought attention to the inadequate availability and quality of teachers and instructors with industry exposure, as well as the lack of proper infrastructure and equipment for practical skills training in schools.
Despite existing regulations, Dr. Malik noted that the unemployment rate among Senior Secondary Vocational School (SMK) and Diploma graduates was 8.49% and 6.76%, respectively, in 2020, indicating a need for further improvements in the system.
To address these challenges, Dr. Malik presented some recent reform initiatives that have been undertaken, including the National TVET Revitalization Program. Key elements of this reform involve the development of a comprehensive labor market information system, the strengthened involvement of the private sector and industry in TVET policy, planning, and implementation, and improvements in vocational education at both secondary and tertiary levels.
In conclusion, Dr. Malik emphasized the importance of demand-oriented, competency-based vocational education and training to align educational programs with industry needs. This approach aims to produce a more skilled and competent workforce, ultimately enhancing the employability of graduates.
Dr. Malik's lecture offered valuable insights into the current state of TVET in Indonesia and the ongoing policy reforms aimed at its improvement. It served as an enlightening session, highlighting the pivotal role of vocational education and training in equipping the Indonesian workforce with the necessary skills and competencies to meet industry demands.
UIII Faculty of Education's Student Receives Top Presenter Award at International Conference
UIII Faculty of Education's Student Receives Top Presenter Award at International Conference
July 06, 2023
Contributor: Safiullah Junejo | Editor: Supriyono & Dadi Darmadi
Hazrat Shah Kayen, a student in the Faculty of Education at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), was awarded the Best Presenter prize at the 5th Annual Civic Education Conference and the 5th International Conference on Law and Social Science in Bali, Indonesia. Hazrat received this prestigious award on May 31 in recognition of his exceptional presentation skills and research contributions.
Expressing gratitude and elation, Hazrat stated that receiving the award was an incredible experience. He attributed his triumph to meticulous planning and a well-organized presentation. The conference provided him with a platform to showcase his research and excel in his field.
Hazrat's research focused on the impact of child labor on children's development, particularly in Afghanistan. Motivated by the prevalence of child labor and its negative effects on education in Afghanistan, Hazrat chose this field of study. His presentation shed light on this crucial issue and emphasized the educational rights of children.
To ensure the success of his presentation, Hazrat diligently prepared his materials in advance. He organized his research and findings into a PowerPoint presentation, dividing it into stages and phases. This approach allowed him to transition seamlessly between various points and maintain a connection throughout his presentation.
Hazrat faced no significant obstacles during the conference, as his presentation was well-received by both his colleagues and the professionals in attendance.
Reflecting on his participation in the conference, Hazrat highlighted the significant benefits he gained in terms of networking, experience, and potential collaborations with other researchers. The award has significantly boosted his confidence to pursue similar academic endeavors, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in educational research.
When asked about the most memorable moments during the conference, Hazrat mentioned two major highlights. First, receiving the title of Best Presenter was a remarkable accomplishment. Second, he was gratified by the positive feedback and acknowledgment he received from the conference delegates, who recognized the significance of his presentation.
Hazrat believes that this honor will positively influence his future academic and professional pursuits. It has inspired him to actively seek additional opportunities for personal and professional development within the field of education research.
He advises fellow students who aspire to excel in academic presentations or conferences to stay updated on international forums, symposia, and gatherings. By engaging in such activities, students can pave the way for future academic success.
Hazrat expressed profound gratitude for the assistance he received from UIII. The university provided financial and motivational support, enabling him to attend the conference and achieve this notable recognition. He acknowledged the entire education faculty and the UIII community for their unwavering encouragement and support.
This recognition is a testament to the academic environment and opportunities offered at UIII. As a globally renowned university, UIII is dedicated to nurturing a research culture and fostering the growth and development of its students, faculty, and staff.
Hazrat aspires to become a prominent figure in education research, focusing on crucial issues such as education policy and leadership, access to quality education, and educational evaluation and assessment. He plans to build upon this accomplishment by participating in similar events, paving the way for a prosperous and rewarding academic career.
UIII takes pride in its students' achievements and will continue to support them in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence.
School Leadership and Indonesian Culture: Revealing the local knowledge development in Post New Order Indonesia
Sumintono, B., Hariri, H. and Kusumaputri, E.S. (2023). School Leadership and Indonesian Culture: Revealing the local knowledge development in Post New Order Indonesia. In Liu, P. and Thien, L.M. (eds). Educational Leadership and Asian Culture, Implications for Culturally Sensitive Leadership Practice. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Educational-Leadership-and-Asian-Culture-Implications-for-Culturally-Sensitive/Liu-Thien/p/book/9781032213675
Abstract
The debacle of Soeharto’s regime has opened up reformation and democratisation in Indonesia. Many structural changes like educational decentralisation, school-based management, and principal preparation training have been made in the education sector since 2001. Research on educational leadership and management (ELAM) has also flourished since academicians and researchers were required to meet journal publication requirements in the 2010s. This chapter consists of a systematic review of ELAM research in the Indonesian context that appears in the GARUDA database, a knowledge-based system of journal articles in the Indonesian language. This review aims to describe the Indonesian knowledge development in ELAM reflecting the Indonesian culture of school leadership. After the selection and sorting stages, 119 journal articles published from 2001 to 2021, and written in the Indonesian language were reviewed. The review found variations in terms of knowledge production, including different type of articles, methodological approaches, leadership theories, school levels, and research topics. The findings indicate that the development of the Indonesian ELAM knowledge base is promising and more productive compared to the previous era, but capacity development is still needed.
Dr. Sri Widyastri’s Take on Islamic Education at FoE
Dr. Sri Widyastri’s Take on Islamic Education at FoE
June 30, 2023
Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
On June 27, 2023, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) hosted a LUNCHTALK where Dr. Sri Widyastri, a scholar in residence at UIII from the Institute of Al-Quran Science in Jakarta, shed light on the transmission of Al-Qur'an in Islamic education.
Dr. Widyastri began by referencing R.G.A Dolby's work on the transmission of knowledge. Dolby, in his studies, observed the rapid development and transmission of experimental psychology and physical chemistry during the 19th century, especially in Germany. He noted that North America adopted these sciences faster than France and England. Dolby's observations highlighted that the method of transmission, whether peaceful or coercive, significantly impacts the speed of acculturation.
Transmission in education is not only about passing down knowledge but also about preserving the essence of a culture. Dr. Widyastri emphasized the importance of enculturation, which is the process of passing down cultural values and traditions from one generation to the next, both formally and informally.
Acculturation, on the other hand, is the blending of two cultures. The speed of this blending depends on the local community's perception of the incoming culture. If introduced coercively, acculturation takes longer, but if introduced peacefully, it happens relatively quickly. Furthermore, acculturation does not just affect culture, it also impacts an individual's psychology.
A significant portion of Dr. Widyastri's talk was dedicated to the Sanad system, a unique method of transmitting knowledge in Islamic education. This system is not just limited to the transmission of hadith but extends to other forms of knowledge, including the Al-Qur’an, scientific books, and poetry.
She highlighted a case study of Mahad Imam Al-Bukhariy Wahdah Islamiyah in Makassar, which has successfully implemented the Sanad system. The success of this system in Makassar is attributed to Saudi Arabian alumni who, upon returning, preached the salafi moderate, attracting many students to this method.
The transmission of knowledge, especially in the context of Islamic education, is a delicate balance of preserving tradition while adapting to modern methods. Dr. Widyastri's insights into the Sanad system offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic educational traditions that prioritize lineage and authenticity.
In today's rapidly changing world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is essential to remember the value of traditional systems like Sanad. They not only ensure the authenticity of the knowledge being passed down but also foster a deep sense of connection to one's roots and heritage.
Dr. Sri Widyastri's LUNCHTALK was a profound reminder of the importance of preserving and transmitting knowledge in its purest form, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the wisdom of the past.
A Rasch analysis of the International Personality Item Pool Big Five Markers Questionnaire: Is longer better?
Akhtar, H., & Sumintono, B. (2023). A Rasch analysis of the International Personality Item Pool Big Five Markers Questionnaire: Is longer better?. Primenjena Psihologija, 16(1), 3-28. https://doi.org/10.19090/pp.v16i1.2401
Abstract
The 50-item International Personality Item Pool version of the Big Five Markers (IPIP-BFM) is an open-source and widely used measure of the big five personality traits. A short version of this measure (IPIP-BFM-25) has been developed using the classical test theory approach. No study was performed to examine the psychometric properties of a longer and shorter version of IPIP-BFM Indonesia using modern test theory. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of IPIP-BFM as well as IPIP-BFM-25 using Rasch analysis. The analysis was conducted in order to test their dimensionality, rating scale functioning, item properties, person responses, targeting, reliability, and item bias on 1003 Indonesian samples. The findings showed that both IPIP-BFM and IPIP-BFM-25 Indonesia have some adequate psychometric properties, especially regarding category function, item properties, reliability, and item bias. However, the emotional stability and intellect scales did not meet the assumption of unidimensionality, and all items on the scales were too easy to endorse by participants. In general, longer measures outperformed shorter measures in terms of person separation and reliability. Further testing and refinement must be conducted.