Examining educational equity in Indonesia through student performance in the certified emancipated learning internship program

Abstract

The disparity in access to quality education between regions within Java and those outside it perpetuates systemic inequality. While urban areas in Java benefit from comprehensive higher education, skilled faculty, and ample resources, students in non-Java regions often face significant limitations. This study uniquely examines this educational inequality through the lens of student performance in the Merdeka Campus’s Certified Internship Program (MBKM), comparing students from universities within Java to those outside. Using a quantitative approach, the research analyzed the internship performance of 144 students—120 from Java and 24 from outside Java—based on a performance rubric developed by the MBKM Team at their respective internship institutions. This rubric includes assessments from student logbooks, academic tests, observation forms, article papers, and presentations. Evaluations were conducted by trained mentors, and an independent t-test was applied to identify performance differences. Results indicated a significant disparity in final scores, with students from Java-based universities outperforming those from outside Java. This study highlights the need to address educational disparities in internship performance and recommends affirmative policies from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to support students from outside Java, particularly in internship programs.