Preparing for SD-SMP Academic Ability Test, Mendikdasmen: Cheaters Will Get Zero

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, has reminded student participants in the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary and junior high school levels to prepare themselves and refrain from any form of cheating, as they may face sanctions including a zero score.

He stated that the implementation of the TKA at the high school level serves as an evaluation for his side in organising the TKA for primary and junior high school levels, including readiness to impose stricter sanctions when encountering cheating practices.

“We are more prepared, and we are firm in principle. If any student cheats or the school cheats, we will immediately give them a zero score. Because we are building honesty, of course,” emphasised Mendikdasmen Mu’ti after the Halal Bi Halal event at the Mendikdasmen Building A, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

This year, his side has issued standard operating procedures (SOP) for every educational unit conducting the TKA, including regulations on inspection mechanisms and sanctions if cheating is found.

He also reiterated that the spirit of the TKA implementation is objectivity, honesty, and enjoyment, so there is nothing to worry about or fear from the test if the schools and participants have prepared as best as they can.

Mu’ti also reminded TKA student participants to tackle the test with a calm and joyful feeling, as feelings of pressure and worry will only create psychological obstacles, such as mental blocks when working on TKA questions.

“That’s why the TKA tagline is honest, joyful. So don’t worry, don’t be afraid, just prepare as best as you can. Participants who are joyful can actually perform better. Rather than feeling pressured, which can become a psychological obstacle and lead to mental blocks if afraid,” he said.

Each participant will undergo the TKA exam over two days, with the first day testing mathematics and numeracy subjects as well as a character survey, and the second day testing Indonesian language literacy and a learning environment survey (sulingjar).