Enrollment Decline and the Digital Divide in Rural Elementary Schools: Implications for Equity in Basic Education

Jajang Dede Mulyani; Aisyah Apriliciciliana Aryani; Kuat Leksono

doi:10.19173/irrodl.v27i3.9277

Authors

Jajang Dede Mulyani Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1647-1723
Aisyah Apriliciciliana Aryani Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7751-5649
Kuat Leksono Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2311-2207

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v27i3.9277

Keywords:

rural education, student enrollment, digital divide, educational equity, distributed learning

Abstract

This study explores the decline in student enrollment in rural elementary schools in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia, as a pressing challenge for educational equity in the digital era. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through interviews with principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders, as well as through classroom observations and document analysis. Thematic analysis with NVivo 15 identified three primary determinants of enrollment decline: demographic shifts due to declining birth rates and outward migration; structural disadvantages, including remote locations and limited infrastructure; and parental preferences for private or religious schools, which are perceived as superior in academic and technological readiness. While small class sizes offered more personalized instruction, negative consequences predominated, including decreased motivation, reduced pedagogical diversity, and heightened risks of school mergers or closures. The digital divide further intensified inequities, making rural schools less attractive than better-connected institutions. The findings highlight that declining enrollment reflects not only demographic change but also systemic digital inequity, requiring targeted policies to expand digital infrastructure and promote distributed learning.

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