“UNAIR Expert Discusses National Exams Reintroduction: Implications and Insights”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Indonesia has put forward a proposal for the reintroduction of national exams (UN), suggesting that the new implementation will undergo significant changes compared to its predecessors.
Call for Comprehensive Evaluations
Professor Tuti Budirahayu, an education sociology expert from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), has highlighted the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations before moving forward with this initiative. She advocated for the government to carry out extensive research into student learning trends in Indonesia from 2021 to 2024, the period following the discontinuation of the previous UN system.
Effectiveness of AKM
Professor Budirahayu noted that the Assessment of Minimum Competencies (AKM) has proven effective in assessing students’ skills throughout their educational journeys. She critiqued the traditional national exams, which she believes placed excessive pressure on students by evaluating them only at the conclusion of their education.
Ineffectiveness of the Previous System
The earlier national exam system has been described as ineffective and misaligned with contemporary educational needs in Indonesia. Professor Budirahayu characterized it as a form of symbolic violence, which adversely impacted students, teachers, and educational institutions. Under the previous system, exam results often lacked fairness and relied predominantly on average scores as the sole measure of educational success.
Opposition to the Former Exam Structure
She expressed strong opposition to the revival of the former exam structure, arguing that it imposed rigid standards on students and inhibited their individual potential. The dependence on tutoring services aimed at mastering exam techniques was seen as a barrier to developing critical thinking skills. Professor Budirahayu remarked that “the previous model nearly eroded trust in schools.”
Addressing Disparate Quality of Education
The professor also indicated concerns regarding the disparate quality of education across Indonesia, asserting that any new exam model should be tailored to accommodate the distinctive contexts of individual schools. If a national exam were to be reinstated, it must integrate modern practices that reflect the diverse circumstances present in different educational settings.
Engagement of Stakeholders
Professor Budirahayu called for the engagement of all stakeholders—including the government, educational institutions, teachers, students, and parents—to prepare for these potential changes. She emphasized that frequent shifts in educational policies with each administration have hindered the establishment of a stable system. She noted, “Indonesia’s education policies lack a coherent, long-term strategy, which is a significant gap despite the nation’s historical successes in education management.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Student Achievement
Looking ahead, she advocated for a comprehensive approach to evaluating student achievement that extends beyond mere exam results. “Emphasis should be placed on enhancing students’ learning habits through literacy initiatives and engaging classroom activities that are less pressure-oriented.”
Ongoing Discussions on National Exams
The proposal to reintroduce national exams has sparked ongoing discussions among educators, experts, and policymakers regarding its possible implications for Indonesia’s educational landscape.
This article was authored by Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah and edited by Edwin Fatahuddin Ariyadi Putra.
