Tuban Regent Ensures Free, Fair, and Transparent Student Admissions Process

JatimVoice.com – Tuban Regent Aditya Halindra Faridzky has emphasized that the New Student Admissions (SPMB) process for all elementary and junior high schools in Tuban Regency must be conducted fairly, transparently, and without any fees.

Source: suarajatimpost

The statement was made during a coordination meeting with elementary and junior high school principals at Pendapa Kridha Manunggal on Saturday (24/5/2025). The event was attended by Tuban Deputy Regent Joko Sarwono, Head of the Education Office Abdul Rakhmat, and all elementary and junior high school principals.

"We must ensure that school capacity can accommodate all school-age children. No child should be left behind due to quota limitations or financial reasons," said the regent, familiarly known as Mas Lindra.

Mas Lindra also stressed that all stages of SPMB must be free from any form of fees. "New student admissions must be free of charge. There should be no additional costs in any form," he asserted.

The regent also addressed the issue of out-of-school children, instructing all education stakeholders to actively reduce dropout rates (DO) and graduates who do not continue their education (LTM). "It is our shared responsibility to ensure every child has the opportunity to pursue education," he said.

Abdul Rakhmat, Head of the Tuban Education Office, reported that the regency’s school capacity generally remains sufficient. For elementary schools, there are 16,131 kindergarten/RA graduates, while SD/MI capacity reaches 23,496. Meanwhile, SD/MI graduates number 15,960, with SMP/MTs capacity at 18,714.

For senior high school, there are 15,072 SMP/MTs graduates, while SMA/SMK/MA capacity stands at 15,144.

Abdul Rakhmat explained that the office has prepared strategies to address Out-of-School Children (ATS), including those who never attended school, dropped out, or did not continue after graduation. "Our first step is accurate data collection and verification to design appropriate interventions," he said.

ATS data is compiled through collaboration between village governments (for children who never attended school) and schools (for dropouts and non-continuing graduates). Interventions include scholarships, educational aid, non-formal education via community learning centers (PKBM), vocational training, and free school transportation.

Regarding school fees, Abdul Rakhmat reiterated that all educational activities must comply with Ministerial Regulations No. 44/2012 and No. 75/2016. "No fees should burden parents. Uniforms and textbooks are entirely the responsibility of parents or guardians," he clarified.

He also urged schools to limit selective study tours and outdoor learning activities and to hold ceremonial events like graduations modestly. Additionally, student worksheets (LKS) will be replaced with digitally prepared companion books by teachers.

School infrastructure development must maximize the use of School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds without additional parental fees. "We aim to ensure education in Tuban is not only affordable but also inclusive and high-quality," he concluded.

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