Reading, Mathematics, and Science Proficiency in Madrasas Shows Natural Increase

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has reported an increase in scores for reading, mathematics, and science proficiency among madrasa students, according to the results of the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) compared to the 2022 results.

“What is most important is not just the numbers obtained, but what is happening in the classroom. When scores increase, we must examine which learning practices enable students to better understand readings, reason mathematically, and apply scientific knowledge to solve problems,” stated the Director General of Islamic Education, Amien Suyitting, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

The increase was observed in state Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs). Based on the trend data from PISA 2022 and 2025, reading scores for state MTs rose from 364 in 2022 to 390 in 2025. Mathematics scores increased from 372 to 385, while science scores rose from 382 to 414.

Positive development was also seen at the state Madrasah Aliyah (MA) level. Reading scores increased from 380 in 2022 to 409 in 2025. Mathematics rose from 380 to 403, while science increased from 402 to 428.

Meanwhile, private MA recorded increases across all domains. Reading scores rose from 357 to 358, mathematics from 351 to 358, and science from 370 to 379.

“Therefore, PISA does not merely measure the memorisation of material. What is assessed is how children understand readings, use mathematical knowledge, comprehend scientific issues, and subsequently use those abilities to solve problems,” he said.

Suyitno stated that the improved achievements in several madrasas indicate that the strengthening of learning must continue. However, these results must serve as a foundation for conducting continuous evaluation and improvement.

He emphasised that the strengthening of learning in madrasas moving forward needs to be increasingly directed towards reasoning, literacy, numeracy, science, and problem-solving skills, without abandoning character and Islamic values.

“Madrasas must not only be strong in subject mastery. Students must be able to use their knowledge to interpret reality, make decisions, solve problems, and adapt to change,” he added.