Confusion Over the Admissions Process for Students

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

New students of the Santa Maria high school join the egrang (traditional plaything) competition on the last day of the student orientation week (MPLS) in Surabaya, East Java, Friday (20/7/2018). Apart from kicking off the school year with some fun, the activity helps students bond and preserves a traditional game that is on the brink of extinction.

The new school year has just begun. However, with confusion over the admissions process for new students, evaluation is needed.

One of the causes of the confusion is the zoning system that was implemented last year. A number of students and parents feel they have greatly benefited from the system, as they consider it more just, but others feel disadvantaged.

The objective of the zoning system is actually good. As stated Education and Culture Minister Regulation No. 14/2018, admitting new students is not only based on achievements, but also zoning or location of residence, public track record and income status.

Through the zoning system, students whose homes are close to a school in their zone receive priority for acceptance. The problem, as revealed by this daily, is that there are many parents who provide falsify domicile information.

A common case that occurs is that several months before the admissions process, a child is "transferred" onto the family cards of relatives or others located near a targeted school. Changes and "sale and purchase" of family cards are therefore rampant prior to the registration period for new students, with subdistrict and district officials involved. Similar problems occur in the admissions process for children of low-income families – there is a provision for such families under the prevailing regulation, which requires that 20 percent of the school admit students of the designated income level.

For outstanding students, these two paths are considered unfair because their hard work and academic achievements are neglected. National exam scores are not prioritized over economic or zoning matters. Students with achievements are consequently unable to choose their favorite schools because they have to register within their zoning system, “forcing” them to attend a school that could be of lesser quality.

For the government, the zoning system is considered the best way to minimize the disparity in the quality of education. There are no longer preferred schools or inferior schools. Schools that were originally more prestigious yet homogeneous in terms of academics or economics are now diversified. On the flip side, schools that were labeled "inferior" are forced to improve their standards to match the level of higher-quality institutions.

Government policy cannot satisfy all parties. However, it is the government\'s obligation to ensure that quality educational services, facilities and infrastructure are equally enjoyed by all.

The government must take immediate action against anyone involved in fraud in the admissions process. A firm and transparent attitude will provide justice for many parties and reduce unrest.