PPDB Polemic, Jokowi Asks Local Governments To Prioritize Children's Education

President Joko Widodo gave a statement to reporters in Bengkulu City, Thursday (20/7/2023). PHOTO ANTARA/Anggi Mayasari.

BENGKULU - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the problem of accepting new students (PPDB) must be resolved by the local government by prioritizing the interests of children to go to school.

"The field issues related to PPDB are always available in all cities and provinces of Indonesia, the most important thing is that they are resolved properly and the children are given the widest space," Jokowi said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 20.

Because, said the president, children must have good and highest education and regional heads such as regents, mayors and governors.

Previously, the Bengkulu Ombudsman Representative collected four reports that were officially included related to PPDB being dominated by zoning channels and one related to achievement.

Meanwhile, those who are consulting and have not submitted official reports are around 14 reports, namely SMAN 5 Bengkulu City, SMAN 2 Bengkulu City, and SMAN 7 Bengkulu City.

Head of the Bengkulu Ombudsman Examination Assistant, Jaka Andhika, said that the Ombudsman checked the documents of students who graduated and asked for an explanation from the school and the Bengkulu Province Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud).

Based on the results of the investigation that his party received, there were 15 additional prospective students. Of the 56 prospective students, according to the specified quota. So that it becomes 71 prospective students who enter the affirmation route at SMAN 5 Bengkulu City.

"Meanwhile, it's new, because we are still investigating and checking the documents again," he said.

Jaka said that in the final report of the examination, it would be concluded whether or not there was an administrative mall in the relevant agencies. If found, it will be corrective to the agency being reported.

"We are still gathering several complaints from the three schools using the fast response method. So if the report comes in, we will confirm and ask for a direct explanation from the relevant parties," he said.

It will take one to two weeks for the results of the examination, which will be returned to the relevant office.

"The Ombudsman only provides corrective action, not sanctions. Which means that it only provides corrections to the laws and regulations," said Jaka.