Accessing Education in Samarinda City A Preliminary Exploration of the Experiences of University Students from Nunukan Regency

Abstract

Abstract., The pursuit of quality education, as one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continues to face multidimensional challenges in Indonesia, particularly in rural and border areas such as Nunukan District, North Kalimantan. The concept of "developing from the periphery," as introduced by Joko Widodo in 2014, has yet to yield significant outcomes. This study aims to explore the experiences of students originating from rural and border regions in accessing higher education in the city of Samarinda. These student narratives are valuable for identifying the unique challenges faced by individuals from border areas, as well as understanding their adaptive strategies during their academic journey. To achieve the objectives of this study, data were collected through interviews and secondary source analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with students from Nunukan District who are currently pursuing higher education in Samarinda. The challenges they encounter are examined from an emic perspective, emphasizing the subjective viewpoints and lived experiences of the participants. The findings suggest that students from rural areas confront a range of complex issues that extend beyond academic difficulties on campus. The poor quality of primary and secondary education in rural regions significantly contributes to the obstacles they face in pursuing higher education. Nonetheless, strong motivation, positive self-perception, and the creative utilization of support systems—such as family, community, and university resources—enable these students to mitigate and navigate the challenges they encounter.