Indonesia's Ministry of Education (Kemendikdasmen) has abolished literacy tests for elementary school admissions, effective in the 2025/2026 academic year. This policy is outlined in Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2025, governing the New Student Admission System (SPMB).
Article 11 Paragraph 5 states that reading, writing, and arithmetic tests are no longer required for first-grade applicants. The ministry aims to provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their initial academic skills.
The new system prioritizes children aged 7 for elementary school enrollment. Children at least 5 years 6 months old by July 1 can enroll with documented exceptional intelligence, talent, and psychological readiness, confirmed by a psychologist's statement.
The SPMB, initiated by Minister Abdul Mu'ti, replaces the previous PPDB system. It introduces four admission pathways: domicile (location), affirmation (disadvantaged students), mutation (parents' job relocation), and achievement.
Each pathway has specific quotas. Elementary schools must allocate a minimum of 70% of seats for domicile, 15% for affirmation, and a maximum of 5% for mutation. This aims to ensure fair access to education.