Yesterday: MAN 3 Padang explosion, TKA registration extension for high schools

Vice Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi’i has urged the public not to jump to conclusions linking an explosion involving a student at MAN 3 Padang to radicalism, stressing the need for a comprehensive investigation. “Incidents like the one at MAN 3 Padang must be thoroughly examined. Do not rush to determine the trigger,” he stated in Jakarta on Thursday.

Separately, the National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that 46 of the 70 passengers and crew aboard the KM Nurul Salsa, which sank west of Polassi Island in the Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, have been found alive. Deputy for Operations Edy Prakoso attributed the successful rescue to a swift operation by the joint SAR team following the engine failure on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has brought forward the registration schedule for the Academic Ability Test for high school level, extending the registration period by three weeks. Originally set to begin on 18 August, registration will now open on 27 July. National Education Council Chairman Suyanto noted the change reflects an evaluation of the 2025 test implementation, indicating a need for longer preparation time for students, schools, and local governments.

In Belitung Regency, the Ministry of Religious Affairs office is encouraging residents to participate in the National Rashdul Qiblat Movement to independently verify the accuracy of the Qibla direction. The event, held over two days, capitalises on an astronomical phenomenon when the sun is directly above the Kaaba.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Raden Mattaher Regional General Hospital in Jambi to ensure services for cancer, heart disease, stroke, uronephrology, and maternal and child health are prioritised. Acting hospital director Iwan Hendrawan expressed hope that the central government would soon dispatch specialist doctors and the latest medical examination equipment.