KPK Exposes Extortion and Backdoor Admissions in School Enrollment System

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that, based on risk mapping conducted by the anti-corruption agency, extortion practices and student placement requests still occur in the new student admission system (SPMB). Therefore, the KPK issued Circular No. 7 of 2026 on Corruption Prevention and Gratification Control in the SPMB on May 25, 2026. Abdul Aziz Suhendra, Head of the Prevention Network Task Force for Gratification and Public Services at the KPK, stated that the circular aims to ensure the SPMB is conducted objectively, transparently, fairly, and free from corruption. ‘To prevent gratification practices and abuse of authority in the new student admission process,’ he said. Meanwhile, the KPK explained that extortion methods include re-registration fees, ‘seat money’, and mandatory purchases of specific items without clear legal basis. On the other hand, maladministration in SPMB implementation remains a concern, with issues such as unclear school capacity, slow complaint handling, and poorly documented decision-making processes. The KPK hopes regional governments, educational institutions, and all stakeholders will work together to maintain integrity and prevent corruption through these methods.