Reviewing TKA Readiness, Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Boosts Students' Confidence
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen) Fajar Riza Ul Haq ensured school readiness while strengthening students’ confidence in Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, ahead of the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary and secondary education levels.
During the visit that day, the Deputy Minister reminded students to face the TKA with confidence and without pressure, while emphasising the importance of understanding the essence of TKA as part of the learning process, not merely chasing scores.
“If the students understand the purpose of TKA, that means it has already succeeded; your answers make me optimistic. The students understand the core of TKA, with the question models in TKA being more suitable to needs, more critical, logical, and applicative. Because through the learning process with TKA, we can know their abilities here,” said Deputy Minister Fajar in a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
He also stressed that TKA does not determine graduation, so students do not need to feel pressured in taking it.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister Fajar reminded the importance of participating in TKA simulations as part of the preparation.
“Simulations are important. There are mathematics questions that are logical, tricks for solving problems. If you’re already familiar with the question models, you’ll know how to approach them,” said the Deputy Minister.
From the school’s perspective, the Principal of SMP Negeri 2 Amlapura, Kadek Irawan, explained that the school has carried out various preparations, both in terms of facilities and strengthening learning.
In addition, teachers are encouraged to integrate literacy and numeracy aspects into the classroom learning process.
He mentioned that 426 students at the school will take the TKA this year. He also appreciated the support from the education office and supervisors who continue to assist the preparation process.
“We hope the TKA runs smoothly and its results can be considered for proceeding to the next level, as well as motivating the children to study harder,” he said.
The school also provides special guidance for ninth-grade students, particularly in Indonesian Language and Mathematics subjects.
According to him, TKA has several important benefits, including measuring critical thinking abilities, readiness to learn at higher levels, and students’ literacy and numeracy skills.
“We hope TKA can serve as a tool to measure students’ academic abilities in every school,” he stated.