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Abstract

While extensive research has explored literacy policies in Southeast Asia, empirical cross-national comparisons of reading achievement at the junior secondary level remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by comparing the reading comprehension proficiency of eighth-grade students in Indonesia and Malaysia. Employing a comparative quantitative design, the research was conducted at SMP Negeri 6 Purworejo, Indonesia, and SMA Al-Falah Batu Talam, Malaysia, during the 2024/2025 academic year (N = 68). Data were elicited through a validated 25-item multiple-choice test focusing on descriptive and report texts. Independent samples t-test results revealed a significant performance disparity (t(66) = 4.38, p < .001), with Indonesian students (M = 89.53, SD = 11.73) significantly outperforming their Malaysian counterparts (M = 70.24, SD = 22.74). The calculation of Cohen’s d (1.066) further confirmed a large effect size. These findings suggest that higher proficiency in the Indonesian cohort is associated with standardized literacy practices and teacher-led "reading corners," whereas the lower, more heterogeneous performance in the Malaysian religious school is attributed to a "crowded curriculum" and limited English exposure. This study underscores the critical role of institutional focus and contextualized instructional materials in shaping literacy outcomes, providing a baseline for pedagogical interventions in specialized secondary education.

Keywords

Comparative Study Cross-National Education EFL Contexts Junior Secondary Students Reading Comprehension

Article Details

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Author Biographies

Al Ghaniy Ra'uf, English Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Indonesia.

Al Ghaniy Rauf is a Student and the main writer of the Article.

Sudar, English Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Indonesia.

Mr. Sudar is Supervisor Lecturer 1.

Abdul Ngafif, English Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Indonesia.

Mr. Abdul Ngaif is the 2nd Supervisor.

Ameerul Husni bin Khairol Azman, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Pahang Kampus Raub, Malaysia

Husni is a friend of the author who helped in writing and also as a collaboration partner from Malaysia.

How to Cite
Ra’uf, A. G., Sudar, Abdul Ngafif, & Azman, A. H. bin K. (2026). Comparing Reading Comprehension Performance of Indonesian and Malaysian Junior Secondary Students: A Quantitative Comparative Study. FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching, 7(2), 411-424. https://doi.org/10.24256/foster-jelt.v7i2.381
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