Sistem, Problematika, dan Kebijakan Pendidikan di Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study is motivated by the importance of understanding the dynamics of the education system in Saudi Arabia, which has undergone significant transformation amid modernization and globalization efforts, while maintaining its Islamic identity as the fundamental foundation of the state. Education in Saudi Arabia functions not only as a medium for knowledge transfer, but also as an instrument for character building based on Islamic values and the development of competitive human resources. The aim of this study is to describe the education system in Saudi Arabia, identify the various challenges faced, and analyze the educational policies implemented by the government in responding to these challenges. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library research design. Data were obtained from various literature sources such as books, scientific journal articles, and official educational policy documents of Saudi Arabia, then analyzed using content analysis techniques to identify key themes related to the education system, its problems, and policy directions. The findings show that the education system in Saudi Arabia has an integrative character combining Islamic education and modern education, yet it still faces several challenges such as disparities in educational quality across regions, the dominance of traditional teaching methods, dependence on foreign teaching staff, and a mismatch between graduates’ competencies and labor market needs. The government has responded to these challenges through various educational reform policies under the Vision 2030 framework, emphasizing curriculum modernization, strengthening vocational education, improving teacher quality, and digitalizing the learning system. The implication of this study indicates that the success of educational transformation in Saudi Arabia largely depends on consistent policy implementation, equitable access to education, and the readiness of human resources in adapting to competency-based and technology-driven education systems, while preserving the core Islamic values as the nation’s primary identity.