A Qualitative Study of Conditional Cash Transfer and Education Aspirations: Evidence from Yogyakarta

Abstract

Since 2007, conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs have been implemented to improve human capital of the children from poor families in Indonesia. Although there is extensive evidence that CCT affects educational improvements of the children, little has been known whether these arise from monetary incentives or the conditions change parents’ aspiration for their children’ education. This study aims to explore perspectives of the CCT programs beneficiaries in Yogyakarta Province regarding educational aspiration for their children. The data collection is based on qualitative approach through semi-structured in-depth interviews using Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) Model. We observed that the CCT programs have provided the opportunity for the beneficiaries to invest in their children’s education. This works not only through the monetary transfer but also regular report and monitoring from facilitators and sanction of program termination. However, reinforcing parents’ aspiration through CCT programs is necessary but not sufficient.

KEYWORDS:

• Conditional cash transfer
• education aspirations
• COM-B model
• human capital

JEL CLASSIFICATIONS:

• R28
• H52
• I22
• I38

Acknowledgements

The authors thank to Prof. Arnab Bhattacharjee from Heriot-Watt University who provided supervision and insightful suggestion to improve this article, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta for providing financial support for this research under the grant number 034/PEN-LP3M/I/2020. We also extend our thanks to Duhita Apratima, Nufimbar Handayani, and Lisa Afrilita for helping us collect the data.

Notes

1 Statistics Indonesia, 2020.

2 Statistics of Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, 2019.

3 Statistics Indonesia, 2019.

4 Facilitator, FGD, Bantul District.

5 Recipient, Pakem, Sleman District.

6 Recipient, Kalasan, Sleman District.

7 Recipient, Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta City.

8 Facilitator, FGD, Gunung Kidul District.

9 Facilitator, FGD, Bantul District.

10 Facilitator, FGD, Sleman District.

11 Recipient, Sanden, Bantul District.

12 Recipient, Sentolo, Kulon Progo District.

13 Recipient, Piyungan, Bantul District.

14 Recipient, Banguntapan, Bantul District.

15 Facilitator, FGD, Sleman District.

16 Facilitator, FGD, Gunung Kidul District.

17 Recipient, Sanden, Bantil District.

18 Facilitator, FGD, Gunung Kidul District.

19 Recipient, Wonosari, Gunung Kidul District.

20 Facilitator, FGD, Sleman District.

21 Facilitator, FGD, Yogyakarta City.

22 Facilitator, FGD, Sleman District.

23 Recipient, Kraton, Yogyakarta City.

24 Recipient, Tanjungsari, Gunung Kidul District.

25 Recipient, Banguntapan, Bantul District.

26 Recipient, Seyegan, Sleman District.

27 Recipient, Wonosari, Gunung Kidul District.

28 Facilitator, FGD, Gunung Kidul District.

29 Recipient, Kotagede, Yogyakarta.

30 Recipient, Lendah, Kulon Progo District.

31 Recipient, Sewon, Bantul District.