Cimahi's 'Sekolah Maung' Schools Overwhelmed by Applicants as SMKN 1 and SMAN 3 Top Choices

The arrival of ‘Sekolah Maung’, an advanced education concept by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, has triggered a surge in applicants for the New Student Selection (SPMB) in Cimahi City. The two designated schools, SMKN 1 Cimahi and SMAN 3 Cimahi, are now processing thousands of applications for limited spots. As of Friday (29 May), the SPMB committee at SMKN 1 Cimahi reported receiving 1,239 applicants, despite only 672 available slots across various departments. A similar situation occurred at SMAN 3 Cimahi with 606 applicants competing for 384 places. Erwin, Chairman of the SPMB Committee at SMKN 1 Cimahi, stated that the number of applicants is expected to rise until registration closes at 21:00 WIB tonight. He explained that this year, SMKN 1 Cimahi has implemented a special policy, only offering academic excellence, non-academic competency, and championship-based admission pathways, while removing the usual affirmative action, zoning, and Low-Income Family (KETM) routes. ‘We are currently focused on verification. This process requires meticulous attention as each applicant takes about 10 minutes to cross-check uploaded documents with original files,’ Erwin said, urging parents to remain patient during validation. Meanwhile, SMAN 3 Cimahi, part of the Sekolah Maung project, has set strict entry standards. Principal Endi Diana Ruskandi confirmed that academic pathway applicants must have a minimum average report card score of 85 and sit the Academic Ability Test (TKA). ‘For non-academic excellence pathways, the minimum report card score is 80. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of provincial-level achievements or national certificates in sports, arts, or religious fields,’ she explained. The high public interest in Sekolah Maung reflects strong expectations for the quality of education under Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s initiative. However, the intense competition and removal of zoning pathways at vocational schools mark a notable shift in Cimahi’s educational landscape this year.