Systematic Analysis of National Education Policy: Comparative Study of Indonesia and Malaysia in the Context of Education Management

Abstract

This study examines the comparative national education policies of Indonesia and Malaysia, highlighting their strategies, challenges, and outcomes within the context of education management. Education policy plays a pivotal role in shaping human resource quality, influencing a nation's socio-economic progress. Both countries, sharing cultural and historical similarities, approach education with distinct frameworks. Indonesia employs a decentralized policy, granting local governments autonomy, while Malaysia adopts a centralized system emphasizing national integration and multicultural inclusivity. The research utilizes a qualitative method with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, analyzing secondary data from academic articles, policy documents, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that Indonesia's decentralized approach fosters community participation but faces challenges such as unequal teacher distribution, inadequate infrastructure, and policy inconsistencies. Conversely, Malaysia's centralized system supports uniformity but struggles with localized adaptability and socio-cultural disparities. Despite these differences, both nations share common challenges in literacy improvement, equity in education access, and the integration of technology in learning. The study underscores the importance of adaptive and inclusive policies, recommending enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, improved infrastructure, and targeted teacher training. This research provides insights to policymakers, educators, and academics to refine and harmonize educational strategies, leveraging mutual strengths to address global competitiveness and sustainable development.

Keywords : Education Policy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Decentralization, Centralization, Education Management