SOCIAL PRACTICES OF PARENTS IN ADMISSION OF NEW STUDENTS (PSB) TO THE ZONING SYSTEM AT SMPN 2 BARENG JOMBANG REGENCY

The Indonesian education system is still considered very minimal in terms of facilities, curriculum, and school quality. In the process of admitting new students, the government issued a new regulation in the Minister of Education and Culture Regulation as stated in Law Number 17 of 2017. This law explains that the admission of new students must use a zoning system. However, this policy has generated both pros and cons among parents/guardians regarding the zoning policy.
This study aims to describe the social practices of parents/guardians regarding the zoning policy at SMPN 2 Bareng, including (1) the various social practices of parents in the admission of new students through the zoning system at SMPN 2 Bareng, and (2) the various factors influencing parents/guardians in the admission of new students at SMPN 2 Bareng.
The method used in this study is a qualitative approach. Data collection methods include interviews and documentation techniques. Data analysis involves data collection, data presentation, data reduction, and conclusion drawing.
The results of this study are (1) Social practices of parents in the Admission of New Students at SMPN 2 Bareng in 2023 include: (a) communication with elementary school teachers, (b) seeking information at SMPN 2 Bareng, (c) assisting children's learning activities, and (d) establishing communication with other parents. (2) Factors influencing parents in the admission of new students through the zoning system include: (a) inaccurate coordinate maps, (b) risk of overcapacity, (c) manipulation by parents/guardians, and (d) lack of technological knowledge. (3) The impacts of the zoning policy are both positive and negative. (a) Positive impacts: parents find it easier to monitor their children's social interactions, do not need to worry about transportation costs, and children become more independent. (b) Negative impacts: limits students' rights, children cannot choose their desired schools. Parents perceive this policy as troubling and limiting students' rights. The solutions or preventive actions according to parents/guardians regarding the zoning policy are as follows: the desired solutions by parents/guardians; the policy needs to be reviewed by the government, the distance criteria should be expanded, socialization should be conducted, and the quota percentage for student admission should be more balanced.