Parents Protest Againts SPMB, Highlight Lack of Transparency in The Selection Process

 

Tangerang - Several parents from various schools protested in front of the local Education Office (Disdik) on Tuesday morning. They demanded clarity and transparency in the implementation of the New Student Admissions (SPMB), which they deemed unfair and detrimental to prospective students.

The peaceful demonstration, which began at 9:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), was attended by dozens of parents carrying banners reading "SPMB Must Be Transparent," "Erase the Deposit System," and "We Need Justice for Our Children." They urged the organizers to disclose the assessment data and selection mechanism.

"My child has good grades and is active in many activities, but he didn't pass without any clear reason. We as parents feel like something is being hidden," said Farida, a protester from South Jakarta.

The parents also questioned the selection indicators used in this year's SPMB, which they said were changed without adequate publicity. They believe the assessment system lacks transparency and is vulnerable to abuse.

"We don't reject the SPMB, but the system must be fair. We must not let any children lose out because of a system that isn't transparent," added another parent.

The Head of the Education Office, who received the protesters' representatives, stated that he would immediately form an investigative team to evaluate the report. He also promised an open meeting between the SPMB committee, the school, and representatives of the parents in the near future.

"We are open to criticism. If there are any errors, we will correct them," he told reporters briefly.

As of midday, the demonstration proceeded orderly and was guarded by police. The participants stated that they would continue to monitor the process until there is clarity and improvements to the selection system going forward.