The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is currently undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the Academic Ability Test (TKA) administered to 12th-grade high school students. This critical review comes in response to a significant and concerning decline in Mathematics scores on the TKA, which have been observed as consistently poor.
This extensive evaluation by the Ministry covers various crucial aspects, including the timing of the test’s implementation, the content of the questions, and other technical considerations. “We have comprehensively evaluated many things,” stated Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, from Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (27/11). Following this thorough assessment, the Ministry is poised to promptly disseminate the detailed findings of the TKA implementation to both regional governments and individual schools.
Delving deeper into the issue, Minister Abdul Mu’ti had previously outlined several contributing factors to the plummeting 2025 Mathematics TKA scores during the opening of the 20th National Conference of the Indonesian Publishers Association in Jakarta on November 19. Key among these factors are the existing textbooks and teaching methodologies, which he noted have not adequately fostered students’ interest in learning mathematics. Furthermore, the pervasive low numeracy skills among students have also been identified as a significant hindrance to academic performance in the subject.
Despite the challenges, Minister Abdul Mu’ti affirmed that the TKA for Indonesian Language, Mathematics, and English will definitively continue in subsequent years. The test’s scope will also encompass elective subjects, as well as Science (IPA) and Social Studies (IPS) disciplines. He emphasized the unwavering commitment to the test’s continuation, stating, “It will proceed because it is a directive from the President. The House of Representatives (DPR) has also agreed to its continuation.”
The implementation of the TKA is structured in a phased approach, commencing with high school levels in November. This will be subsequently followed by its rollout to junior high and elementary school students during the first quarter of 2026. This gradual introduction aims to ensure a smooth transition and effective integration across different educational stages.
Significantly, Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2025 clarifies that the TKA is not mandatory for all students. Instead, the test will be administered on a voluntary basis, specifically targeting students who are prepared and require the test results for particular purposes. These purposes may include pursuing studies abroad or progressing to higher levels of education within the country, offering a valuable tool for academic advancement.
The test includes both compulsory and elective subjects, varying by educational level. For 6th-grade elementary students and 9th-grade junior high students, the subjects tested will exclusively be Mathematics and Indonesian Language. Meanwhile, high school and vocational high school students will take tests in Indonesian Language, English Language, Mathematics, in addition to their chosen elective subjects, providing a tailored assessment.
Upon completion of the test, participating students will receive a TKA results certificate issued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. This certificate will detail the scores achieved by each student, serving as a vital document. Crucially, this certificate can be utilized as a prerequisite for admission to higher education institutions through achievement-based pathways, including the competitive selection process for university entry, thus empowering students to pursue their academic aspirations.
Summary
Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah (Kemendikdasmen) tengah melakukan evaluasi komprehensif terhadap Tes Kemampuan Akademik (TKA) yang diberikan kepada siswa SMA kelas 12 menyusul penurunan signifikan nilai Matematika yang terus-menerus jeblok. Evaluasi ini meliputi waktu pelaksanaan tes, konten pertanyaan, dan pertimbangan teknis lainnya. Menteri Abdul Mu’ti menyatakan bahwa hasil temuan dari evaluasi TKA akan segera disebarkan kepada pemerintah daerah dan sekolah. Penyebab utama rendahnya nilai TKA Matematika 2025 diidentifikasi antara lain adalah buku teks dan metodologi pengajaran yang belum memadai, serta rendahnya kemampuan numerasi siswa.
Meskipun menghadapi tantangan, TKA untuk Bahasa Indonesia, Matematika, dan Bahasa Inggris akan tetap berlanjut di tahun-tahun mendatang, mencakup mata pelajaran pilihan, IPA, dan IPS, sesuai arahan Presiden dan persetujuan DPR. Pelaksanaan TKA akan dilakukan secara bertahap, dimulai dari jenjang SMA pada bulan November, diikuti oleh siswa SMP dan SD pada kuartal pertama tahun 2026. Berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri Nomor 9 Tahun 2025, TKA bersifat sukarela, ditujukan khusus bagi siswa yang membutuhkan hasilnya untuk melanjutkan studi ke luar negeri atau jenjang pendidikan tinggi. Siswa yang mengikuti tes akan menerima sertifikat hasil TKA yang dapat digunakan sebagai prasyarat masuk perguruan tinggi melalui jalur prestasi.
