The Political Basis of Education: The Influence of Government Policy on National Education

Abstract

Education is an important pillar of national development because it plays a significant role in improving the quality of human resources. The government has the responsibility to direct the education system through policies related to curriculum, learning methods, assessment, teacher competency development, and equal access to education. However, the implementation of education policies in Indonesia still faces various challenges, such as disparities in educational quality between regions, limited facilities and infrastructure, unequal distribution of teachers, frequent curriculum changes, and insufficient teacher training. This study aims to analyze the role of government policies in improving the quality of national education, identify obstacles in policy implementation, and assess the effectiveness of the policies that have been implemented. The research method used is a literature study with a qualitative approach through the review of relevant journals, books, and scientific sources. The findings show that government policies have an influence on improving the quality of education, particularly through curriculum development, School Operational Assistance (BOS), the Indonesia Smart Program (PIP), and the improvement of teacher competence. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these policies still requires stronger coordination, evaluation, and equal distribution of resources. Therefore, education policy does not only function as a regulation, but also as an important instrument for realizing quality, equitable, and sustainable education in Indonesia.