Education is organized as a process of civilizing and empowering students and it lasts a lifetime.
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Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta
Students of SMK Negeri 1 Surabaya prepare to take part in the first day of the Computer-Based National Examination (UNBK), Surabaya, East Java, Monday (16/3/2020). Although schools are closed at all levels due to the anticipation of the spread of the UNBK 2020 Covid-19 outbreak for Vocational Schools in East Java, it will continue.
Law No. 20/2003 concerning the national education system implies that the future of students is vital. Education not only take place in schools but it lasts a lifetime.
School has a structure and grading system, from basic education, secondary education and higher education that is indeed important. However, schooling is not the only factor for students\' success in the future. Many things determine what happens in their lives.
In formal education, the national exam, which is held at the end of the academic year, is a real measurement for student success. In fact, the national exam serves as the basis for students when they continue their education at the next level. The year 2020 is actually the last year of the implementation of national exam system. In accordance with Education and Culture Ministerial Regulation No. 43/2019, the national exam will be replaced with a minimum competency assessment and character survey starting in 2021.
The massive spread of the novel coronavirus disease has affected the national exam this year. Through Education and Culture Ministerial Circular No. 4/2020 concerning the implementation of educational policy during a time of emergency due to the spread of COVID-19, the government has officially canceled the national exam. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the most important thing is the safety and health of students and their families. The future of the students is still long. Moreover, this year\'s national exam results no longer serve as a determinant factor for graduation and enrollment to higher education (Kompas, 26/3/2020).
A junior high school student learns the lesson materials that his teacher shares through online documents at his home on Monday (16/3/2020).
National exams at all levels of education are slated for April to May 2020. As of 9 March, 2020, the total number of students that are supposed to participate in the national exam is 8.3 million students. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the government has suspended learning activities at schools and told students to study at home, ordered employees to work from home, practice physical distancing and avoid crowds. National exams would create crowds and it is very likely that the new coronavirus transmission will occur. Therefore, the government\'s move to cancel the national exam this year is appreciated by various groups.
The cancellation of the national exam this year is not only expected to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but also prioritizes the safety of students and their families. The national exam cancellation is a policy that is in line with the National Education System Law, for the future of the students. ,
Students and their families as well as teachers and school leaders must support the decision.
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