As Children Learn Amid Earthquakes, the State Prepares Follow-up Academic Ability Tests

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — In parts of North Maluku, children are still coming to terms with earth tremors that have not fully subsided. In learning spaces that are no longer entirely calm, anxiety occasionally creeps in, reminding them that earthquakes can strike without warning. Yet, amidst this situation, the spirit to keep learning remains undiminished. The government has chosen not to force the circumstances. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is preparing a schedule for follow-up academic ability tests (TKA) for primary school students affected by the disaster. This policy represents the presence of the state, ensuring that the education process continues without ignoring the children’s sense of safety. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti stated that some areas in North Maluku faced obstacles in conducting the TKA scheduled for 20 to 30 April 2026. The ongoing earth tremors have made the atmosphere not fully conducive for children to take the exam. “Some areas in North Maluku have requested a follow-up (TKA) later, because there are still earthquakes that indeed make the children feel less safe,” said Abdul Mu’ti on Monday. He emphasised that this policy is not a repeat of the exam, but rather a rescheduling for students who have not yet had the chance to take the TKA due to emergency conditions. Data collection on affected schools has been carried out, so the follow-up exam implementation can proceed more directed. “For example, if there is an aftershock earthquake, we schedule it with a follow-up exam, not a retake, but a follow-up exam,” he clarified.