Mathematics problem solving ability of students’ in the Eastern border region of Indonesia

This study is a qualitative descriptive study that aims to describe the mathematical problem solving ability of students living in border areas. The subjects in this study were selected by 3 students based on the level of mathematical ability, namely high, medium and low. Data were collected through tests and interviews. Data analysis techniques used include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that: (1) problem solving students with high abilities had been able to understand problems, were able to plan and determine problem solving methods, were able to carry out problem solving plans according to problem solving plans that had been prepared previously and re-examined the answers that had been done; (2) problem solving students with moderate abilities have been able to understand problems, are able to plan and determine problem solving methods, but for subjects with moderate abilities they do not re-examine the answers because they are sure of the answers; (3) problem solving subjects with low abilities have been able to understand problems, develop plans and determine problem solving methods, but in carrying out problem solving plans the subject is less thorough so that the answers generated from his work are less precise and the subject does not re-examine the results of his work.