Educating For Equity: Addressing Language Education Policy In Indonesian Highlands And Coastal Area

Indonesia's archipelago presents a unique challenge for language education. The land arrange form Merauke in the east (Papua) to Sabang in the west (Sumatera). Diverse communities residing in highland and coastal regions often possess distinct mother tongues, creating disparities in educational access and outcomes. This study examines current language education policies in these two areas, highlighting the existing gaps and proposing strategies to achieve greater equity. Both areas are Wamena (Papua Pegunungan) as the case study of Highland. In addition, the Kendari city (Southeast Sulawesi) is the case study of coastal area. The article explores the specific challenges faced by these regions. Limited access to qualified teachers trained in multilingual education and a lack of resources tailored to local languages hinder effective learning. The current curriculum might not adequately address the needs of students whose primary language differs from the language of instruction. The study proposes a multi-pronged approach to address these issues. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of recruiting and training teachers equipped to handle multilingual classrooms. Secondly, it advocates for the development of culturally appropriate learning materials that incorporate local languages. Finally, it calls for policy reforms that promote multilingualism and recognize the value of indigenous languages within the education system. By implementing these strategies, Indonesia can work towards a more equitable language education system that empowers students from all backgrounds to succeed. This not only fosters social inclusion but also celebrates the rich linguistic tapestry of the Indonesian nation.