Managing School Voucher Program in Developing Country: Lesson from Smart Indonesia Program

Abstract

In order to pursue universal access to education, the Indonesian government has arranged a number of funding assistance programs for the people, especially for the poor. Among of the programs is the Smart Indonesia Program (Program Indonesia Pintar--PIP). In order to make the program takes place, three ministries namely the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud), the Ministry of Social Affairs (Ministry of Social Affairs), and the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) are assigned by the government to implement this program. PIP aims to help school-age children from poor or vulnerable families and families in remote areas to be able to access education services up to high school, either through formal channels (to complete high school / vocational school) or non-formal channels (i.e. standardized courses). This program scheme provides cash assistance for pupils distributed through the Indonesia School Voucher (Kartu Indonesia Pintar-KIP) so they can complete the 12-year compulsory education. By evaluating the program at five cities and regencies, this study intends to evaluate the implementation of the program. This study explores the PIP policy, and recognizes the obstacles, challenges, weaknesses, and potentials encountered in implementation of the policy. The research was carried out in related institutions, several NGOs, and the general public with an explorative qualitative approach. This research recommends to the government to improve the design and implementation of PIP. The recommendations also include the division of roles and patterns of cooperation between government agencies and other parties in implementing the program.