The Education Policy for Increasing the Number of Vocational High School Students in Indonesia: Policy Content and Its Impacts in Malang City of East Java Province

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to explain content of the education policy of increasing the number of vocational high school student (SMK) in Indonesia, and to report impacts of the policy in Malang City of East Java Province. This research uses a qualitative design with study case approach in order to gain a comprehensive picture of the increasing the number of vocational high school student (SMK) in Indonesia policy, especially which is implemented in Malang City. Research data are collected by conducting interviews, observations, and documentations. In analyzing the data gathered, this study uses techniques of analysis by performing data reductions, data presentations, and drawing conclusions. The findings of the research show that the policy content or the policy load are written in the Middle Range National Education Development Plan 2004-2009 (Department of Education Strategic Plan) as well as in three Department of Education’s attention letters of year 2006, 2007, and 2008. Policy content is structured and detailed clearly in plain language so that policy implementors are easily able to interpret and develop the policy objectives written into technical implementation steps. The education policy for increasing the vocational student number which is implemented in Malang City has run quite well with successfully achieved objectives, and has resulted some policy impacts both positive and negative