JAKARTA, Indonesia - On March 3, 2025, Indonesia's Minister of Education Abdul Mu’ti announced significant changes to the admissions process for vocational schools under the Sistem Penerimaan Murid Baru (SPMB) 2025 program. These changes clarify the exclusion of the standard four admission tracks used for elementary, junior high, and high schools when it concerns SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan) admissions.
During the media briefing held at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s office, Mu’ti explained the necessity of these adjustments, stating clearly, "The admission tracks are excluded for SMK." The announcement coincides with the enactment of the Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah (Permendikdasmen) Nomor 3 Tahun 2025, which officially outlines the governance of SPMB.
According to the Permendikdasmen, which was enacted on February 28, 2025, the selection process for prospective 10th-grade students applying to SMK will revolve around several core components. These include the consideration of report cards from the last five semesters, academic and non-academic achievements, as well as aptitude tests aligned with the chosen vocational field.
Gogot Suharwoto, the Director-General of Early Childhood, Basic Education, and Secondary Education within the Ministry, emphasized the importance of these aptitude tests, stating, "For SMK, there is specific need for tests since it covers diverse fields, over one hundred different majors, ensuring they match the competencies of the applicants." This approach aims to guarantee students' aptitudes align with the technical skills they will learn.
Notably, the admission criteria for SMK under the SPMB 2025 include prioritizing at least 15 percent of spots for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and/or those with disabilities. This dedication to inclusivity reflects the government’s commitment to equitable education. To prove eligibility, parents or guardians need to provide documentation corroborated by credible sources.
Further stipulations dictate additional priorities. A maximum of 10 percent of available slots will be reserved for students who reside closest to the school, ensuring local youth have access to educational opportunities.
To qualify for admission to SMK, prospective students must meet age and educational requirements. The maximum age for applicants, as of July 1, 2025, is set at 21 years. They must also have completed their junior high education, evidenced by either an official diploma or completion certificate. Additional prerequisites may apply depending on each SMK's specified fields or majors.
Essential administrative documentation must be prepared and includes: birth certificates, previous school diplomas, and family cards (Kartu Keluarga - KK) issued no less than one year prior to application. If applicants have experienced situations where possessing the KK has been impossible, such as natural disasters, they may use domicile letters—official documents from local authorities confirming their residence for at least one year before registration.
Education access also remains attentive to students from 3T regions—areas identified as remote, disadvantaged, or isolated. Special provisions cater to them and those with disabilities, facilitating their enrollment and ensuring no one is left behind.
This overhauling of the SPMB procedures highlights the Indonesian government's determination to adapt its education system to fit the needs of its diverse student population, reflecting changing societal needs and priorities. By implementing these structured and focused criteria, the aim is to attract students to vocational careers, responding to the demand for technical skills within Indonesia's economy.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to carefully review all conditions outlined for SPMB 2025, as the experience and future successes of students depend heavily on their adherence to the stipulated processes. With these comprehensive measures, the government hopes to streamline entrance procedures and provide necessary resources for all students, focusing particularly on ensuring equity across the board.
All eyes are now on how these changes will significantly impact the student enrollment process and whether those prioritized—namely economically disadvantaged backgrounds and disabled students—will receive the support needed for their educational endeavors. The initiation of these strategies certainly sets the stage for meaningful reforms expected to uplift institutional standards and prepare Indonesia's youth for the workforce of the future.