Controversies in Implementing English as a Second Language Policy in Papua: Perspectives of English Teachers

Miftahulfadlik Dabamona; Suharmoko; Arrofi Hidayat; Aprilia Gay; Baiq Septia Ayuningsih

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jpes.00897

Authors

Miftahulfadlik Dabamona
miftahulfadlik@iainsorong.ac.id
Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong
Suharmoko Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong
Arrofi Hidayat Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3354-6048
Aprilia Gay Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3544-5506
Baiq Septia Ayuningsih Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9066-6133

Keywords:

Cultural Resistance, English Teachers, Papua, Second Language Policy, Special Autonomy

Abstract

Language Policy of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Papua has been established by the Special Autonomy Law in 2021. This is pivotal in educational practices in a multilingual context. Despite this, significant concerns remain, especially about teachers’ involvement and the execution of the regulation. The gap policy arises from the previous studies highlighting the policy intention and classroom practices. This study aims to explore the gaps in the policy due to three main themes, namely communication gaps, structural and professional support, and socio-cultural tensions and language ideologies. A qualitative study was conducted by applying in-depth interviews with 6 teachers from several regencies in West Papua and Southwest Papua Province. Thematic analysis exposed three main challenges: (1) policy communication gaps; (2) limited structural and professional support; (3) socio-cultural tensions and language ideologies. This study shows that the success of ESL policy depends on the provincial government's engagement, sustained teacher training, and culturally sensitive curriculum to local wisdom. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse of language policy in multilingual contexts, emphasizing the respect for local values and adjusting to the multilingual context, like Papua.

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Author Biographies

Miftahulfadlik Dabamona, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong

is the Coordinator of the English Education Program at IAIN Sorong, contributing significantly to curriculum development and educational management. His research focuses on language policy, integrating technology in language learning, curriculum enhancement for English acquisition, and corpus-based analysis in Indonesian bachelor's thesis introductions. (email: miftahulfadlik@iainsorong.ac.id).

Suharmoko, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong

is a lecturer in the English Education Program at IAIN Sorong, specializing in English language teaching and learning strategies. His research explores various aspects of language education, including storytelling techniques to enhance students' speaking skills, online learning success factors, and anxiety in English-speaking classes. He is also involved in studies on out-of-class language learning and discourse analysis in language attitudes. (email: mokojavas83@gmail.com).

Arrofi Hidayat, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong

is an assistant researcher with a focus on English language learning and teaching methodologies. His research explores students' learning styles in English language acquisition, particularly in secondary education settings. His work aims to enhance instructional approaches by identifying effective learning strategies tailored to diverse student needs. (email: arrofihdyt@gmail.com).

Aprilia Gay, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong

is an assistant researcher with an interest in English language education and learning strategies. Her research focuses on exploring effective methods for enhancing students' English proficiency, particularly in classroom settings. She is dedicated to investigating innovative approaches to improve language teaching and learning outcomes. (email: apriliagay728@gmail.com).

Baiq Septia Ayuningsih, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sorong

is an assistant researcher specializing in English language education and learning methodologies. Her research focuses on innovative strategies to enhance students' language acquisition and engagement in the learning process. She is committed to exploring effective teaching approaches that cater to diverse learner needs in English language learning. (email: tbi@iainsorong.ac.id).

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