Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education: Implementation of Academic Ability Test proceeds smoothly despite challenges
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated that the implementation of the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary education level in various regions has proceeded smoothly despite facing numerous geographical and infrastructural challenges on the ground.
Head of the Basic and Secondary Education Policy Agency (BKPDM) of Kemendikdasmen, Toni Toharudin, said in Jakarta on Saturday that amid limitations in network coverage, power disruptions, and disaster conditions, schools were still able to conduct the assessment smoothly and in accordance with standards.
In Southeast Sulawesi Province, for example, he said the TKA was participated in by 2,416 educational units spread across 17 regencies/cities and was carried out in four waves.
On the first day, his side received reports of obstacles such as power outages and network disruptions at several points.
Similar resilience was seen in Maybrat Regency, West Papua Province, which faced internet access limitations in the initial wave.
To ensure the implementation continued to run, he said several schools, such as SD YPK Pison Fategomi, SD YPK Imanuel Jitmau, and SD YPK Kambuaya, utilised Starlink satellite services to maintain stable connectivity.
As a result, the testing locations were adjusted to points with the strongest internet access.
“We are very enthusiastic about participating in this TKA. The team worked together well so that the implementation still went smoothly. We hope that the students’ reading and numeracy abilities will continue to improve,” said the Principal of SD YPK Pison Fategomi, Orpa Bles.
SD Kasih Yobel conducted the TKA involving 95 sixth-grade students in three sessions.
Preparations were carried out from the beginning through socialisation to teachers, strengthening of learning, and intensive practice questions. Parental involvement also supported the smooth implementation.
During the execution, Kemendikdasmen received reports that the school experienced a power outage in the final session.
However, the readiness of the system and backup equipment ensured the process continued without significant issues.