The political economy of educational decentralization in Southeast Asian countries

Abstract

Educational decentralization has emerged as a major policy reform across Southeast Asian countries as governments seek to improve educational quality, increase local participation, strengthen accountability, and promote equitable access to learning opportunities. While decentralization transfers authority and responsibilities from central governments to local institutions, its implementation is deeply influenced by political, economic, and institutional factors that shape educational outcomes. This study examines the political economy of educational decentralization in Southeast Asian countries through a qualitative descriptive research design utilizing data mining and documentary analysis. Secondary data were systematically collected from peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, policy reports, and documents produced by international organizations, including UNESCO, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), ASEAN, OECD, and UNDP, published between 2018 and 2026. Guided by Political Economy Theory, Fiscal Federalism Theory, Governance Theory, and Decentralization Theory, the study synthesizes current evidence regarding the relationships among political institutions, fiscal policies, governance structures, and educational reforms. The analysis identified four major themes: (1) Fiscal Decentralization and Educational Financing, (2) Local Governance, School Autonomy, and Accountability, (3) Educational Equity and Access under Decentralization, and (4) Political Economy Challenges and Policy Reforms. The findings indicate that educational decentralization has improved local participation, strengthened school governance, and increased responsiveness to community needs. However, persistent disparities in fiscal capacity, governance effectiveness, administrative capability, and educational equity continue to constrain the successful implementation of decentralization policies across the region. The study concludes that educational decentralization can effectively promote equitable and sustainable educational development when supported by transparent governance, equitable fiscal policies, institutional capacity building, and sustained political commitment. The findings provide evidence that may assist policymakers, educational leaders, and researchers in strengthening decentralized education systems throughout Southeast Asia.