Factors influencing teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of Indonesia: empirical proof from southern Papua

This study aimed to reveal factors responsible for teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of southern Papua, Indonesia. The present study employed a qualitative research approach using a case study design. Profound interview to the elementary school principals, local community members, and teachers of respective schools was the main tool of the study to collect data. Data were analysed qualitatively using Ishikawa's fishbone analysis. We found three main categories of variables that influence teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of southern Papua, Indonesia, namely: (a) teachers' demographic characteristics, (b) working conditions, and (c) local authorities' policies of teacher assignment and of school principal appointment. These findings might be imperative for the institutions of teacher training and education to design curriculum to address the special need of having morally and mentally qualified teachers.