Enhancing Basic Education Quality through the Implementation of the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan in Oil-Rich Areas

This study investigates the implementation of basic education quality improvement policies in Balikpapan City, a region known for its pivotal role in Indonesia’s oil industry, often referred to as an oil-rich area. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (2021-2026) in addressing educational quality, considering the city's economic dependence on oil. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study focuses on the Department of Education and Culture in Balikpapan, engaging key informants to evaluate the efficacy of policy implementation. The analysis framework encompasses an evaluation of policy standards, resources, inter-organisational communication, and the characteristics of the implementing agencies. The findings reveal that, while considerable progress has been made in enhancing educational facilities and teacher competencies, challenges persist due to the city’s heavy reliance on the oil sector and its impact on local resources. Furthermore, the study explores the relationship between these challenges and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (quality education) by addressing disparities in resource allocation and the city's limited capacity for economic diversification. The research recommends the integration of more diverse data sources, continuous monitoring, and deeper analysis of the social and economic impacts to further improve educational outcomes. Balikpapan's economic context, as an oil-dependent city, significantly influences its ability to implement and sustain effective educational policies, highlighting the necessity for balanced development strategies aligned with broader SDGs.