History, education, and border area: An introduction study on education at the Indonesia-Malaysia border, Sebatik Island, North Kalimantan

Abstract

This study aimed to identify educational problems at the Indonesia-Malaysia border (Sebatik Island). The study also investigated what had been and was being done by various institutions to provide education for children at the border area. This research used two methods, namely Focus Group Discussion and interviews. The research team that conducted the FGDs in Sebatik- Indonesia and Sebatik-Malaysia aimed to gather as much information as possible about various educational problems in Sebatik. In-depth interviews were also conducted with selected community members and officials at the local level, community leaders, and community organizations. The study found a bleak portrait of education for children at the border, both in Sebatik-Malaysia and Sebatik-Indonesia. Since the Malaysian government closed access for Indonesian children to school in the country, many illiterate cases have been found among the children of oil palm plantation workers. Various efforts undertaken by the private sector such as the establishment of the Border Area School and Mutiara Bangsa Islamic Boarding School cannot be maximized due to limited funds and human resources.