Academic Ability Test for Primary and Junior High Students Approaches, Education Minister: Don't Scare the Pupils

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has advised all parties not to engender worry and fear among pupils participating in the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary and junior high school levels, with the event just days away.

He stressed that the spirit of the TKA is one of objectivity, honesty, and enjoyment, so there is nothing to be anxious or worried about regarding the test.

“And in line with its spirit, the TKA upholds the values of honesty and joy; no one should intimidate or create a scary atmosphere for the pupils,” said Mendikdasmen Mu’ti after leading the flag-raising ceremony that marked the first day of learning following the Eid al-Fitr holiday at SMPN 2 in Depok City, West Java Province, on Monday.

He also reiterated the primary purpose of the TKA, which is to measure each pupil’s academic abilities as well as to provide data for improving education quality through national mapping of student competencies, thus it is not a determinant of their graduation in the current education level.

He added that the TKA will later be used as a validation tool for report card grades along with other non-academic achievements in the student admission process (SPMB) via the achievement pathway, so participants still need to prepare themselves for the test.

“The TKA results will be one aspect in the SPMB achievement pathway. So the achievement pathway will include report card grades and TKA results, while non-academic aspects include achievements in sports, arts, and school leadership. All of these will be assessed in the achievement pathway. Even though it does not determine graduation, it will determine how we can improve the quality of learning,” said Mu’ti.

For information, the TKA for junior high school level will take place from 6 to 16 April 2026, while the TKA for primary school level will be held from 20 to 30 April 2026.