Viral TOEFL Socialisation Scam During High School Orientation in Yogyakarta

A viral social media post has revealed an alleged scam targeting students at a state senior high school in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) under the guise of a TOEFL test socialisation during the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, 17 July, when around 108 students from three classes were participating in MPLS activities. As formal lessons had not yet begun, classes were frequently filled with socialisation sessions from various tutoring centres. That morning, two individuals arrived to promote a TOEFL programme. They made various claims about the benefits of the certificate on offer. One of them opened the session with intimidating remarks, while the other allegedly used foul or coarse language. The pair reportedly invoked the names of the Education Agency (Dikpora) and the Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) to appear legal and trustworthy. At the end of the session, students were offered a test with a tiered discount scheme, reducing the price from Rp400,000 to Rp100,000. Pupils were given only about 15 minutes to decide on payment, which could be made in cash, by bank transfer, or via QRIS. After paying, participants received a receipt bearing the name of a company operating in educational services. However, suspicions arose shortly after the activity concluded. Several students obtained information from peers at other schools who claimed to have experienced similar incidents. Investigations by the students suggested that the office address listed on the receipt was invalid. They also discovered that the service offered was allegedly not a TOEFL test as promoted, but rather an online EPT (English Proficiency Test) with a digital certificate. The school subsequently stated that it had not granted permission for any activity involving direct transactions with students. The school is now investigating how the activity was able to take place on its premises. In a statement, Disdikpora DIY stressed that it had never issued a permit or recommendation for the TOEFL socialisation activity that misused the agency’s name. Suci Rohmadi, Head of the Planning and Data Division at Disdikpora DIY, confirmed that her agency had no connection to the activity in question. She assured that the agency had never granted a permit or recommendation to the parties allegedly involved. ‘Disdikpora DIY has never issued a permit, recommendation, or official partnership with the institution in question. The misuse of the names of Dikpora and the Regional Police is an illegal act and constitutes information fraud. We urge all members of the public and schools not to easily trust individuals who invoke the agency’s name without an official Assignment Letter that can be verified for authenticity,’ Suci said via the official DIY Regional Government website on Saturday. Suci noted that Disdikpora DIY had not yet received a written report from the school or parents regarding the alleged incident. Nevertheless, the agency will ask the Secondary Education Centres in the regencies and cities to investigate the matter and evaluate school security systems during MPLS. Furthermore, Suci emphasised that the implementation of MPLS in DIY is regulated through a circular letter. The letter stresses that all activities must focus on an educational introduction to the school environment. Therefore, educational units are expected to be more selective in accepting third parties to prevent commercial practices or any form of intimidation against students. ‘The MPLS Circular Letter to schools is already quite strict, stipulating that activities must focus on educational introductions, not commercialisation, let alone intimidation, and must tighten the vetting of third-party guests,’ she explained. Suci will also remind all schools to confirm with the agency if any external party claims to carry a recommendation or to be working with Disdikpora DIY. She will also consult with regional supervisory officials and the legal division to examine legal steps regarding the alleged misuse of the agency’s name. Suci stressed that the protection of students remains a priority during MPLS. All schools are expected to strengthen supervision of any activity involving external parties and ensure the entire MPLS process complies with applicable regulations. ‘Protecting students from all forms of intimidation and commercialisation in schools is the Dikpora agency’s priority during this MPLS period,’ Suci concluded.