Community engagement in education financing: A multi-case study in Indonesia and Laos

Several ASEAN countries, including Indonesia and Laos, continue to face challenges in fulfilling global education financing commitments, particularly at the school level. Limited public funding in both public and private junior secondary schools necessitates greater community involvement to sustain educational quality and accessibility. This study aims to explore the forms, strategies, and impacts of community participation in education financing in two selected regions: one district in Central Java, Indonesia, and one province in Laos. Employing a qualitative multicase study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The analysis involved both within-case and cross-case approaches using data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that schools in both contexts mobilize community resources through collaborative mechanisms involving parents, local organizations, and donor institutions. Community contributions are utilized for school operational costs, infrastructure improvements, and learning support. The study also highlights efforts to maintain sustainable participation through transparent governance and shared ownership. This research contributes to the discourse on social capital and the coproduction of education services, emphasizing the role of trust, norms, and networks in sustaining educational development. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers in developing more inclusive and participatory education financing models in resource-constrained settings.