Region-Based Recommendations for Upper Secondary School Types in Indonesia Using Clustering Analysis

Abstract

Abstract - Indonesia faces significant inequality in access to education between urban and rural areas, made more complex by its geographic and cultural diversity. With the government allowing students to choose between general and vocational upper secondary schools, it is crucial to guide them toward the most suitable path to support their future careers and ensure they can thrive in their own regions. This study analyzes all 514 Indonesian cities and regencies using socioeconomic data from 2019 to 2024 to identify appropriate education pathways. Clustering methods K-Means and K-Medoids were applied, with K-Means using five clusters producing the best results. Cluster 0 (18 regions) and Cluster 2 (5 regions) are better suited for general education due to high technology use and rapid industry growth. Cluster 1 (211 regions) and Cluster 3 (194 regions) are more aligned with vocational education, reflecting lower technology use and slower development. Cluster 4 (86 regions) has mixed characteristics. These findings can help shape education policy to match local conditions. Future research should include cultural and community-specific factors to further improve education equity across Indonesia.

Keywords - Clustering Analysis, Education, Evaluation Method, Socioeconomic Indicators, Upper Secondary School