West Java PKB Faction Commits to Overseeing SPMB Reform and Pesantren Sustainability
BANDUNG – The National Awakening Party (PKB) faction of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing reforms to the New Student Admissions System (SPMB) whilst ensuring continued support for pesantren as an important part of human resource development in West Java.
The stance was conveyed by Sidkon Djampi, a member of Commission I of the West Java DPRD from the PKB faction, after reading the PKB faction’s Report on the Third Constituency Recess of the 2025-2026 Session Year during a plenary meeting of the West Java DPRD on Tuesday (14 July 2026).
Sidkon said the recess conducted by all PKB faction members in their respective electoral districts had produced a range of community aspirations that deserve the attention of the West Java Provincial Government.
The two issues most frequently raised by residents were access to education through the SPMB and the continuity of support for pesantren.
“The recess results show that the public hopes the government will give serious attention to reforming the SPMB to make it fairer, whilst ensuring pesantren continue to receive support as educational institutions that have contributed greatly to building the character of the nation’s generation,” said Sidkon.
According to Sidkon, the public welcomes Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2021 on the Facilitation of Pesantren Administration. However, its implementation still needs strengthening so that its benefits are genuinely felt by pesantren, particularly in remote areas.
Many pesantren still face limited facilities and infrastructure and therefore require sustained government support.
In the education sector, the PKB faction received numerous complaints regarding the implementation of the SPMB. Governance perceived as still complicated, limited capacity at state senior and vocational high schools, and uneven access to education have left parts of the public struggling to obtain educational services.
This situation is seen as requiring urgent improvement so that every child has an equal opportunity to receive a decent education.
Consequently, the PKB faction recommends a comprehensive reform of SPMB governance, including the construction of new school units and classrooms in areas that still lack state schools.
At the same time, the West Java provincial government is also being urged to maintain its support for pesantren through the full implementation of the Pesantren Facilitation Regional Regulation, with a proportionate and transparent budget allocation.
Sidkon stressed that the PKB faction will continue to champion all community aspirations through its legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions. According to him, quality education and strong pesantren are important foundations for producing a competitive and characterful West Javanese generation.
“The PKB faction will ensure that every aspiration we receive from the public does not stop as a recess note, but is fought for into policies that side with the people. SPMB reform and pesantren strengthening must form part of the effort to build a more advanced, just, and civilised West Java,” said Sidkon.