Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Prepares to Implement Academic Ability Test for Primary and Secondary Levels

Ahead of April 2026, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti stated that preparations for implementing the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary (SD) and secondary (SMP) levels have been conducted thoroughly. “Overall, we are very ready; we just need to wait for the day itself, as we have conducted several trials, both technically regarding internet usage and aspects related to the availability of computer facilities. All our TKA tests are computer-based. For schools that do not yet have computers, we have arranged for them to borrow from other schools not conducting TKA,” he explained at the Kemendikdasmen office in Jakarta on Monday (30/3). Furthermore, Abdul Mu’ti emphasised that the public need not worry about the TKA implementation, as Kemendikdasmen has prepared it meticulously and the test is not a determinant of graduation. “No need to worry; it has been prepared as best as possible, because this is not a determinant of graduation. It only assesses two subjects: Indonesian Language and Mathematics. The others are determined by each educational unit,” Abdul Mu’ti asserted. Additionally, he confirmed that Kemendikdasmen will impose strict sanctions on anyone caught cheating during the TKA. “We have experience from implementing TKA for high schools. I think our system is even more ready, and we are firm in principle. If a student cheats or a school cheats, we will immediately nullify the score. Because we are building, first and foremost, honesty. This is part of the character we build together. That is why the TKA tagline is ‘honest’. And secondly, ‘joyful’,” he said. “No need to worry, no need to fear. Just prepare as best as possible so that we can actually do it joyfully and well, rather than feeling pressured, which could become a psychological barrier and lead to mental blocks if we are afraid to take it,” Abdul Mu’ti added. On that occasion, Abdul Mu’ti also stated that his side has socialised the implementation of PP Tunas to education offices and Technical Implementation Units (UPT) in the regions. “It has (been socialised), we have conveyed it to the education offices and also to the UPTs to implement PP Tunas, regarding the restriction on gadget use. So it is not a ban, but a restriction on gadget use,” he concluded.