Evaluating the Implementation of Nonformal Education Policy in Indonesia: Challenges in Equality and Vocational Programs

Authors

  • Muta’alimah Muta’alimah Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
  • Eko Handoyo Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
  • Fathur Rokhman Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58485/jie.v5i1.612

Keywords:

Educational governance, vocational transformation, policy effectiveness

Abstract

Nonformal education in Indonesia plays a strategic role as a complement, supplement, and substitute for formal education in supporting equitable access to education. This study aims to analyze the implementation of nonformal education development policies in Indonesia by focusing on equality education programs and course and training institutions. This study employed a qualitative method with a content analysis approach through the examination of various regulations, policy documents, and related literature, ranging from Law Number 20 of 2003 to recent educational policies. The findings indicate that the implementation of nonformal education policies has contributed to increasing educational participation and reducing illiteracy rates. However, the effectiveness of policy implementation still faces several challenges, including limited budget allocation compared to formal education, inadequate quality of facilities and infrastructure in Community Learning Activity Centers, and disparities in instructor quality across regions. This study emphasizes the importance of strengthening governance, expanding partnerships with the industrial sector, and modernizing vocational-based curricula in order to enhance the responsiveness of nonformal education toward the challenges of economic disruption and unemployment in Indonesia.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abdul, A., Fitri, A. H., Sari, A. M., Gistituati, N., & Rusdinal, R. (2022). Stages of Making Public Policy As the Basis of Policy Makers. Jurnal Muara Pendidikan, 7(1), 148–155. https://doi.org/10.52060/mp.v7i1.778

Ahmad, A. (2022). Standar Pengelolaan Program Pendidikan Nonformal Dari Perspektif Akreditasi. Sustainable Jurnal Kajian Mutu Pendidikan, 5(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.32923/kjmp.v5i1.2403

Ani, F., Suriansyah, A., & Purwanti, R. (2025). Dampak Kebijakan Digitalisasi Pendidikan Terhadap Kualitas Pembelajaran Di Sma Negeri 2 Dusun Hilir. Jurnal Kepemimpinan & Penguruan Sekolah, 10(1), 751–760. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.34125/jkps.v10i2.659

Aulia, A. S., Maghfiroh, N., Faruq, A. Z., & Masodi, M. (2025). Pengaruh Program Literasi Sekolah terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat (ABDIRA), 5(3), 318–324. https://doi.org/10.31004/abdira.v5i3.762

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Conceptual and design thinking for thematic analysis. Qualitative Psychology, 9(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1037/qup0000196

Christou, P. A. (2022). How to use thematic analysis in qualitative research. Journal of Qualitative Research in Tourism, 3(2), 79–95. https://doi.org/10.4337/jqrt.2023.0006

Damayanti, D. P. (2025). Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Merdeka Belajar Dalam Satuan Pendidikan Nonformal di Indonesia. JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 8(7), 7033–7043. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v8i7.8232

Engkizar, E., Jaafar, A., Masuwd, M. A., Rahman, I., Datres, D., Taufan, M., Akmal, F., Dasrizal, D., Oktavia, G., Yusrial, Y., & Febriani, A. (2025). Challenges and Steps in Living Quran and Hadith Research: An Introduction. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research of Higher Education (IJMURHICA, 8(3), 426–435. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24036/ijmurhica.v8i3.396

Engkizar, E, Jaafar, A., Alias, M., Guspita, B., & Albizar, R. (2025). Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence in Qur’anic Learning: Innovation or Threat? Journal of Quranic Teaching and Learning, 1(2), 1–17. https://joqer.intischolar.id/index.php/joqer/index

Engkizar, Engkizar, Jaafar, A., Hamzah, M. I., Syafril, S., Febriani, A., Oktavia, G., & Satrial, A. (2026). Quran Teachers’ Skills as Pedagogical Foundations: Conceptual and Practical Insights into Nine Competencies. Muaddib: Journal of Islamic Teaching and Learning, 2(1), 22–38.

Fakhruddin, A., Anwar, S., & Fajar Islamy, M. R. (2025). Enhancing academic self-concept and historical literacy in Islamic studies through collaborative learning: a study on prospective Islamic Education teachers in Indonesia. Cogent Education, 12(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2491871

Gomez-del Rio, T., & Rodriguez, J. (2022). Design and assessment of a project-based learning in a laboratory for integrating knowledge and improving engineering design skills. Education for Chemical Engineers, 40, 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2022.04.002

Hadi, S. (2017). POLA PENGASUHAN ISLAMI DALAM PENDIDIKAN KELUARGA (Penguatan Peran Keluarga Jamaah Masjid Baitul Abror Teja Timur). TADRIS: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 12(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.19105/tjpi.v12i1.1290

Hanila, S., & Alghaffaru, M. A. (2023). Pelatihan Penggunaan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Terhadap Perkembangan Teknologi Pada Pembelajaran Siswa Sma 10 Sukarami Kota Bengkulu. Jurnal Dehasen Mengabdi, 2(2), 221–226. https://doi.org/10.37676/jdm.v2i2.4890

Hilmin, H., Dwi Noviani, & Ani Nafisah. (2022). Kebijakan Pemerintah Daerah Dalam Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka. Khatulistiwa: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Sosial Humaniora, 2(2), 148–162. https://doi.org/10.55606/khatulistiwa.v2i2.565

Insani, P. N., Su’ad, S., & Hariyadi, A. (2023). Development of Blended Learning-Based Science Module on Sound Material to Improve Learning Outcomes of Fourth-grade Elementary School Students. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(2), 2182–2191. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i2.2791

Judijanto, L. (2025). Tinjauan Bibliometrik Reproduksi Kultural pada Pendidikan Nonformal Masyarakat Lokal. Sanskara Ilmu Sosial Dan Humaniora, 3(01), 34–44. https://doi.org/10.58812/sish.v3i01.712

Kassymova, G K, Talgatov, Y. K., Arpentieva, M. R., Abishev, A. R., & Menshikov, P. V. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in the Development of the Theory and Practices of Self-Directed Learning. Multidisciplinary Journal of Thought and Research, 1(3), 66–79. https://mujoter.intischolar.id/index.php/mujoter/article/view/19

Kassymova, Gulzhaina K., Engkizar, E., Hebebci, M. T., & Talgatov, Y. K. (2025). Interreligious Coexistence in Islam: Implications for Islamic Education and the Achievement of SDGs. Muaddib: Journal of Islamic Teaching and Learning, 1(3), 79–92.

Laila, D. A., & Salahudin, S. (2022). Pemberdayaan masyarakat Indonesia melalui pendidikan nonformal: Sebuah kajian pustaka. Jurnal Pembangunan Pendidikan: Fondasi Dan Aplikasi, 9(2), 100–112. https://doi.org/10.21831/jppfa.v9i2.44064

Laila, I., Marliansyah, I. S., & Wardarita, R. (2022). Kurikulum Prototipe Pendidikan Paradigma Masa Depan. Jurnal Visionary : Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Dibidang Administrasi Pendidikan, 10(2), 28. https://doi.org/10.33394/vis.v10i2.6157

Lutfiyah, F. (2025). Pengabdian Masyarakat sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Literasi dan Kesejahteraan. Masyarakat Mandiri : Jurnal Pengabdian Dan Pembangunan Lokal, 2(2), 32–43. https://doi.org/10.62951/masyarakatmandiri.v2i2.2102

M, R. A. D., Ismail, N. I., & Giling, M. (2026). The Role of Philosophy of Science in Developing Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills. Muaddib: Journal of Islamic Teaching and Learning, 2(1), 55–64.

Mayring, P. (2015). Qualitative Content Analysis: Theoretical Background and Procedures. In Qualitative Health Research (Vol. 15, Issue 9, pp. 365–380). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9181-6_13

Meinawati, K. L. (2020). Pemanfaatan Youtube Dalam Meningkatkan Kompetensi Tutor Bimbel Edu Private. Comm-Edu (Community Education Journal), 3(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.22460/comm-edu.v3i1.3697

Mukari, M., Rahardjo, M., Maksum, A., & Anas, M. (2025). Reconstructing Islamic Theology through Nusantara Spirituality a Philosophical Synthesis of Local Wisdom and Religious Tolerance. Proceedings of Sunan Ampel International Conference of Political and Social Sciences, 3, 57–75. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15642/saicopss.2025.3..57-75

Mutiaramses, M., Alkhaira, S., Zuryanty, Z., & Kharisna, F. (2025). Seven Motivations for Students Choosing to Major in Elementary School Teacher Education in Higher Education. Multidisciplinary Journal of Thought and Research, 1(2), 23–37. https://mujoter.intischolar.id/index.php/mujoter/article/view/14

Neuendorf, K. A. (2019). Content analysis and thematic analysis. In Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology (pp. 211–223). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315517971-21

Okenova, B., Xu, W., & Adel, S. (2025). The Practice of Moderate Education to Prevent Interreligious Conflict. Muaddib: Journal of Islamic Teaching and Learning, 1(2), 36–54. https://doi.org/https://muaddib.intischolar.id/index.php/muaddib/article/view/8

ÖZDEN, M. (2024). Content and Thematic Analysis Techniques in Qualitative Research: Purpose, Process and Features. Qualitative Inquiry in Education: Theory & Practice, 2(1), 64–81. https://doi.org/10.59455/qietp.20

Pendy, A., & Mbagho, H. M. (2020). Model Pembelajaran Number Head Together (NHT) Pada Materi Relasi dan Fungsi. Jurnal Basicedu, 5(1), 165–177. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v5i1.542

Rahman, F. A., Ulwi, K., & Aminudin, W. S. A. B. W. (2025). The Role of Islamic Education in Realizing in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3). Muaddib: Journal of Islamic Teaching and Learning, 1(2), 12–23. https://doi.org/https://muaddib.intischolar.id/index.php/muaddib/article/view/7

Rahmawati, A. Y. D., Nasruddin, M., & Imroatun, I. (2020). Peran Sosial Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam Di Wilayah Pesisir Utara Pulau Jawa. Nuansa Akademik: Jurnal Pembangunan Masyarakat, 5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.47200/jnajpm.v5i1.417

Ramdhan, M. (2025). Pkbm’S Contribution To Improving the Quality of Non-Formal Education in Cianjur. Jurnal ASIK: Jurnal Administrasi, Bisnis, Ilmu Manajemen & Kependidikan, 3(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.59639/asik.v3i2.99

Renz, S. M., Carrington, J. M., & Badger, T. A. (2018). Two Strategies for Qualitative Content Analysis: An Intramethod Approach to Triangulation. Qualitative Health Research, 28(5), 824–831. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732317753586

Saepullah, A., Aziz, A., Widayanti, I., Hasbi, M. Z. N., & Muhammad, A. A. (2025). A Contemporary Socio-Legal Evaluation of Indonesia’s Post-Reformation Child Marriage Policies. MILRev: Metro Islamic Law Review, 4(2), 1393–1426. https://doi.org/10.32332/milrev.v4i2.10322

Syahrudin, A., Majid, A., Yuliani, L., & Qomariah, D. N. (2019). Penerapan Konsep Andragogi Oleh Tutor Kesetaraan Paket C Dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Pada Warga Belajar. Jendela PLS: Jurnal Cendekiawan Ilmiah Pendidikan Luar Sekolah, 4(1), 26–30. https://doi.org/10.37058/jpls.v4i1.1597

Tohara, A. J. T., Shuhidan, S. M., Bahry, F. D. S., & Nordin, M. N. bin. (2021). Exploring Digital Literacy Strategies for Students with Special Educational Needs in the Digital Age. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education (TURCOMAT), 12(9), 3345–3358. https://doi.org/10.17762/turcomat.v12i9.5741

Utomo, K., Soegeng, A. Y., Purnamasari, I., & Amaruddin, H. (2021). Pemecahan Masalah Kesulitan Belajar Siswa pada Masa Pandemi Covid19. MIMBAR PGSD Undiksha, 9(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.23887/jjpgsd.v9i1.29923

Vorotyntseva, T. M. (2023). Approaches to the Development of the International Trade Concept. In Approaches to Global Sustainability, Markets, and Governance: Vol. Part F643 (pp. 349–356). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2198-0_38

Wahyuni, T., & Pratiwi, P. H. (2021). Sekolah Gratis Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kualitas Pemangunan Manusia (Studi di Kota Blitar, Jawa Timur). E-Societas: Jurnal Pendidikan Sosiologi, 10(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.21831/e-societas.v10i5.17186

Yani, A. (2023). Implementasi Program Merdeka Belajar Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Peserta Didik Dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Non Formal. Transformasi : Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Pendidikan Non Formal Informal, 8(2), 62. https://doi.org/10.33394/jtni.v8i2.6958

Downloads

Published

2026-04-28

How to Cite

Muta’alimah, M., Handoyo, E., & Rokhman, F. (2026). Evaluating the Implementation of Nonformal Education Policy in Indonesia: Challenges in Equality and Vocational Programs. Ahlussunnah: Journal of Islamic Education, 5(1), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.58485/jie.v5i1.612

Issue

Section

Articles

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.