The Indonesian Ministry of Education is on high alert regarding fraudulent practices in the school admission process, specifically the illicit buying and selling of seats in the Penerimaan Murid Baru (SPMB) 2025 program. This issue, persistent in previous years, has prompted the ministry to take a stronger stance in ensuring that the admission process remains fair and transparent.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Abdul Mu’ti, the Minister of Education and Culture, publicly addressed these concerns, urging citizens to report any instances of corruption they may encounter during the SPMB domicile process. “If there are sales of [seats], report it to us. There is an integrated service unit where the public can report issues related to political problems,” Mu’ti emphasized during a press conference at the Gedung A of Kemendikbudristek in Central Jakarta.
Mu’ti’s remarks come in response to ongoing public frustrations regarding admissions. He acknowledged that the problem of seat trading could compromise the integrity of the education system, affecting opportunities for deserving students. His appeal is an invitation to the public to actively participate in maintaining the credibility of the SPMB process.
In reflecting on the current state of SPMB 2025, Mu’ti reassured attendees that the new admission system has been functioning efficiently without any reported challenges. He stated, “So far, I have monitored several regions and found no obstacles. This means that with the new system, they can understand the rules more easily and will apply them more effectively.”
This smooth operation of the SPMB is crucial as it directly affects students' futures. The ministry's initiatives aim not just to enforce rules but to cultivate an environment where educational access does not depend on underhanded deals.
By encouraging transparency and accountability, the ministry is reinforcing its commitment to providing a level playing field for all students. The proactive stance taken by Mu’ti highlights the necessity for governmental institutions to be responsive to the issues of corruption that can undermine public trust.
As the SPMB 2025 program unfolds, students, parents, and educators alike are hoping for a fair admission process that prioritizes merit over connections and financial resources. The ministry’s strategy, which includes the establishment of an accessible reporting framework, is a necessary step toward ensuring that integrity prevails in the educational sector.
The Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah is making efforts to combat these challenges head-on. As Mu’ti stated, engaging the community to report any fraudulent activities not only empowers the public but also integrates their involvement in safeguarding the future of education in Indonesia.
