EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF INDONESIA'S SCHOOL ZONING POLICY ON EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY AND EQUITY: INSIGHTS FROM PARENTS IN BANGKA BELITUNG ISLANDS PROVINCE

Abstract

In 2018, the Indonesian government implemented a school-zoning admission system (PPDB) aimed at democratizing access to quality basic education. However, empirical evaluations of the policy's effectiveness in promoting equality and equity are still scarce, particularly beyond Java. This study examines parental perceptions of educational equality (including equal access, respect and recognition, care, power, and working and learning conditions) and equity (targeted support) within the zoning scheme, based on a cross-sectional survey of 300 parents from 25 public and private secondary schools across four districts in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. A structured questionnaire comprising 32 closed questions and four open questions was administered both online and on paper during the period of March to April 2025. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests/ANOVA were utilized to analyze mean differences among socio-demographic groups. Results indicate a high level of positive perceptions regarding equal access (95%) and opportunity (92%), while responses concerning competitiveness reveal ambivalence (50%). Mean equality (M = 14.83, SD = 1.21) and equity scores (M = 3.86, SD = 0.42) are relatively high; however, notable variations exist across gender, occupation, income, and school type (public vs private). Digital PPDB platforms and geospatial dashboards were viewed as enhancing transparency; however, the presence of digital divides in rural areas moderated this enthusiasm. The findings indicate that while the zoning policy is essential, it alone is inadequate for achieving sustainable educational innovation. Additional investments in digital infrastructure and tailored support are necessary to convert equal access into equitable learning outcomes. The discussion focuses on the implications for policymakers and school leaders in utilizing digital transformation to address remaining gaps