Banten Education Secretary Rejects Student 'Entrustments' in New Admissions, Gets Frowned Upon

The Secretary of the Education and Culture Agency (Disdikbud) of Banten Province, Rachmat Tamam, revealed that there were many requests for prospective students to be accepted in the New Student Admission Selection (SPMB) for senior high and vocational schools. However, he stressed that he could not fulfil these requests.

“Many people have WhatsApp’d me, yes. But I can only respond like this,” said Rachmat, demonstrating a clasped hands emoji on Thursday (11/6/2026).

Rachmat admitted he often receives negative reactions or is frowned upon by close acquaintances wanting their children or relatives to enter their preferred state high school. Nevertheless, he stated he is unable to do anything that would help violate the rules.

“Relatives, even staff within Disdikbud whose children want to enter a state school, have frowned at me. But what can I do? We can’t do anything,” he said.

Rachmat affirmed that the practice of ‘entrusting’ students is strictly prohibited, in line with explicit directives from the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni. He also stated that no cases of such backdoor placements were found during last year’s implementation.

“Alhamdulillah, there were no entrustments. Moreover, there are direct instructions from the Governor. If anyone pressures me, I just need to show them the Governor’s video instructions,” he remarked.

Furthermore, he asked the public to participate in monitoring and overseeing this year’s SPMB process for high schools and vocational schools. Should anyone find an individual offering services or claiming to be able to admit prospective students through the backdoor, the public is urged to report it immediately.

“Report it! Report it to us. We will mitigate and clarify first to see whether there is really evidence,” he stated.