West Java DPRD warns of potential disparities in Sekolah Maung

Bandung — West Java’s DPRD Commission V has warned the West Java Provincial Government about the potential for educational disparities under the Sekolah Maung (Manusia Unggulan) programme. Commission V chair Yomanius Untung said the Sekolah Maung concept, launched by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, is fundamentally positive in aiming to produce high-achieving students who can compete nationally and internationally. He argued that the cross-regional selection model without zonation could lead to unhealthy competition between schools. ‘When we talk about achievement—whether in academics, sports, arts or religious studies—it should be highlighted and prepared well to produce graduates capable of competing,’ Yomanius said. Nevertheless, he believes students with exceptional abilities still require special educational facilities to remain competitive at international levels. In addition to academic pathways, he said the Sekolah Maung programme is also aimed at strengthening vocational education through the development of leading SMKs (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan). Yomanius stressed that the quality of practical learning must be the main focus so graduates are truly ready to enter the workforce. In discussions with the West Java Department of Education, he said there was even talk of a minimum intelligence threshold for prospective students. ‘Anyone can enter if they are outstanding. Earlier, there was even mention of a minimum IQ of 130, although that is still under review,’ he said.