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View all search resultsLow scores in school exams renew calls for education reform
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Students take a final exam using their devices on May 4, 2026, at SD 16 state elementary school in Blang Beurandang village, West Aceh, Aceh. A total of 44 out of 156 elementary schools across 12 districts in West Aceh have implemented computer-based testing. (Antara/Syifa Yulinnas)
L
ow scores in elementary and junior high school exams have highlighted the need to improve Indonesia’s education system, with observers calling for reforms focused on teachers and school governance.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry published the results of the first annual academic competency tests (TKA) for elementary and junior high school students on May 26, following the exam held in April. The first TKA test for senior high school students was held in October last year.
The test, taken by final-year students at each level, measures proficiency in mathematics and Indonesian, with English and two elective subjects added for high schoolers. The results of the exams revealed persistently low performances.
On a scale of 100, elementary school students scored an average 42 in math and 60 in Indonesian, while junior high students recorded 40 and 60, respectively. It mirrors those of 12th graders, whose average scores stood at 36 in math and 55 in Indonesian.
Education consultant Ina Liem noted that national exams like TKA, conducted under different names and schemes over the past two decades, had consistently shown poor literacy and numeracy performances.
The problem, she said, lies in an education system that should be reformed, particularly in school governance, which does not prioritize merit-based recruitment of principals and educators.
Ina also questioned the effectiveness of the TKA exams warning that an excessive focus on scores risks encouraging schools to prioritize test results over a meaningful learning process.
