EDUCATION AS A FOUNDATION OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: POLICY ANALYSIS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Education has a strategic role as the main foundation of national development,
because it contributes directly to improving the quality of human resources (HR) and
supporting sustainable economic, social, and political growth. This study aims to
analyze education policies in Indonesia and evaluate their implications for national
development. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with a policy study design, this
study utilizes literature studies, policy document analysis, and secondary data from
various official sources. The results of the study show that although there is a policy
commitment to make education a driver of development, challenges such as inequality
of access, teacher quality, infrastructure, and the digital divide are still major
obstacles. The implementation of policies such as the Independent Curriculum and
National Assessment has also not been optimal in many regions. This study emphasizes
the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil
society, as well as the need for holistic and adaptive education reform so that education
truly functions as a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable national
development.