Digital Transformation Strengthens New Student Admissions in Yogyakarta

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated that digital transformation is strengthening the implementation of the New Student Admission System (SPMB) for the 2026/2027 academic year in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, as it makes it easier for the public to access the student admissions process. “The presence of the BPMP in the field is not solely for supervision, but to provide support to local governments and educational units so that the implementation of SPMB complies with regulations, as well as to guarantee every child’s right to access quality education,” said Mohammad Adi Hartono, Head of the Education Quality Assurance Agency (BPMP) of Kemendikdasmen for the Yogyakarta region, in a written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. He noted that Kulon Progo and Gunungkidul districts have successfully implemented the online SPMB system. In Kulon Progo, the agency recorded that the junior secondary school SPMB process took place without long queues at schools. This was because the entire process, from document verification to school selection, could be completed from home. Suyatmi, an SPMB committee member at SMP Negeri 5 Wates, said her school still ensured that all members of the public received services, even though registration was conducted online. Even before the registration period opened, she said primary school operators had assisted parents and prospective students with account creation, data verification, and understanding the online registration mechanism. This early-stage assistance made the registration process much smoother once the selection schedule began. As a result, the volume of face-to-face services at SPMB helpdesks decreased significantly, while administrative processes were completed more quickly. FX Broto Murdopo, Head of the Junior Secondary School Division at the Gunungkidul District Education Office, said the digital transformation is continuously accompanied by efforts to ensure all citizens receive equal services. Although the helpdesks were relatively quiet, he said services remained on standby to assist members of the public who needed support, particularly regarding document verification or changes to civil administration data. Officers focused primarily on validating documents and ensuring all selection stages proceeded according to regulations.