Mapping of Local Government Policy in Sharing Operational Costs for Basic Education in the Pandemic Era

Abstract

Adequacy of operational cost for basic education becomes the responsibility of the central and local government. Adequate funding is necessary for the success of compulsory basic education. The research aims to analyze and develop a framework for the local government policy in sharing operational cost adequacy for basic education in the study area. This research used a descriptive-quantitative approach. Data collecting was conducted by observation and interviews. The analysis used a descriptive one. There are findings in the research. Firstly, at the beginning of the year 2021, adequate funding for the elementary school in Pati regency is IDR 869,017 per student and it has been fulfilled with School Operational Assistance (BOS) IDR 900,000 provided by the central government but to cope with inflation during 2021, the local government should provide sharing operating cost IDR 38,538 per student yearly. Secondly, adequate funding for junior high school in Pati regency is IDR 1,063,797 per student at the beginning of the year 2021 and available funding from School Operational Assistance (BOS) is less than the needed funding. To satisfy adequate funding, the local government should provide sharing operating cost IDR 148,901 per student in 2021. To alleviate worsening problems in the pandemic era (Covid-19), local governments must take higher responsibility for boosting basic education by allocating more funds. It is useful to alleviate worsening problems such as dropping out of students in basic education.