Disadvantaged but more resilient: the educational experiences of indigenous Baduy children of Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Equality education for indigenous minorities still remains less known. This qualitative study explores educational opportunities for the indigenous Baduy children in Indonesia. Framed by critical pedagogy, findings of observations and interviews show that despite the provision of schooling by local government, most participating children and their parents are still resistant to formal education. Parents in this geographically isolated ethnic group have different perspectives on children’s education and tend to ignore formal schooling. Participation rate in local primary schooling is low and informal education by a mobile instructor has become an alternative solution to boost children’s literacy. Despite cultural tradition of child labor, Baduy parents may have experiential ways of preparing their children to become resilient and independent. Given the importance of equality education for sustainability, the study recommends some culturally responsive approaches to learning for minority children’s future welfare as citizens.

Acknowledgments

The author extends his profound thank to Dr. Jill Brown of Monash University, Australia for critically reading the draft of this article. Funding for this research was provided by the Center for Research and Community Services, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

Notes on contributors

Ahmad Bukhori Muslim

Ahmad Bukhori Muslim is an assistant professor at Department of English, Faculty of Languages and Literature Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Currently, he is the director of international affairs at the university. His research interests include language and identity, developmental studies in language and literacy, English education, and international education. He has published in these areas in some peer-reviewed journals.