Reviewing SMP 2026 Academic Ability Test, Minister Abdul Mu’ti Emphasises Honesty and Character
The implementation of the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for junior high school (SMP) level officially began simultaneously today, Monday (6/4). The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, made a direct visit to SMP Negeri 2 Curug, Tangerang Regency, to ensure the technical smoothness and integrity of the examination.
During his review, Abdul Mu’ti visited three classrooms to check the readiness of digital infrastructure. He appreciated the school’s preparedness, which he deemed to meet operational standards, from the availability of computers to the stability of internet signals.
“I see that in the classrooms, the preparations are already very much in line with the regulations. The computers and signals are running well, as are the other technical arrangements. Hopefully, this can continue according to the set schedule,” said Abdul Mu’ti during his visit.
Minister Abdul Mu’ti emphasised that this year’s TKA carries the slogan “Honest and Joyful”. He stressed that the essence of the test is not merely to chase academic scores, but to build a character of honesty in students. Furthermore, he explained that TKA is not a determinant of student graduation from educational units.
“This TKA does not determine graduation. What determines graduation is each educational unit through school tests for all subjects. TKA aims for us to have a profile of students’ abilities that includes literacy, numeracy, character surveys, and learning environment surveys,” he clarified.
The results of this TKA will later become one of the important instruments in the New Student Admission Selection (SPMB) process for 2026, particularly in the achievement pathway.
In addition to giving messages to students not to fear facing the exam, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education also issued a stern warning to the supervisors. He asked supervisors to carry out their duties professionally and not to engage in actions that violate procedures, such as making video content or smoking during the exam.
“Last year’s experience in the SMA TKA, there were supervisors who behaved inappropriately, such as making videos or smoking. We have recorded them and immediately blacklisted. If found again, we will ground them and they will no longer be able to serve as TKA supervisors forever,” Mu’ti asserted firmly.
Regarding potential cheating, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has prepared a multi-layered protection system. Each student will receive different questions through a personal account that can only be accessed when the test starts. The government has also prepared an abundant reserve question bank to anticipate any indications of leaks.
“This system is designed so that cheating is impossible. Even if someone tries to video the questions, it won’t make a difference because our question reserves are very plentiful and can be immediately replaced. Everything has been systemically protected,” he concluded.