The Education Office’s Strategy for Reducing the Dropout Rate in Bintan Regency by 2025

A Case Study of East Bintan Subdistrict

Abstract

School dropout remains a significant challenge to educational equity and human resource development, particularly at the local level. This study aims to analyze the strategy of the Bintan Regency Education Office in reducing school dropout rates in East Bintan District. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through interviews and documentation involving education officials, school principals, guidance and counseling teachers, parents, and school dropout children. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The analysis employed J. Kooten’s strategic framework, consisting of organizational strategy, program strategy, supporting resource strategy, and institutional strategy. The findings indicate that the Education Office has implemented its strategy through policy formulation, Out-of-School Children identification, educational assistance, PIP and BOS programs, counseling services, home visits, equivalency education through PKBM, and stakeholder coordination. However, implementation remains constrained by socioeconomic conditions, limited parental awareness, low student motivation, difficulties in reaching dropout children, and insufficient inter-institutional coordination. The study concludes that stronger data management, continuous mentoring, parental involvement, resource optimization, and cross-sectoral collaboration are required to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of dropout reduction programs in East Bintan District.