Dindik Jatim Larang SMA/SMK Holds Graduation, Principals Can Be Removed If They Violate

Head of the East Java Provincial Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai/ANTARA/Ananto Pradana

The East Java Provincial Education Office reminded all school principals at high school/vocational high school education levels throughout the country so as not to violate the rules regarding the prohibition of the implementation of student graduation activities.

Head of the East Java Provincial Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai, said the ban on holding graduations had been stated in Circular Number 000.1.5/1506/101.5/2025.

"I have instructed the school graduation (SMA/SMK) not to be (arrested)," Aries said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 13.

Aries ensured that he would not hesitate to take firm steps against every public high school/vocational school principal who was found to have violated the rules for prohibiting the graduation.

The sanction given to violators is in the form of removing the position of principal.

"If someone violates, I will replace the principal," he said.

According to him, graduation is not part of the tradition at the high school level, so its implementation does not need to be carried out.

The celebration of graduation or Purnawiyata, he said, could be replaced in a more creative, simple, and not burdensome way for students' parents.

"Many schools have done it, for example in Malang there are those with a drive-thru model, diploma or pass certificate (SKL) submitted and students went straight home," he said.

He said the ban on the implementation of graduation applies to state high schools/vocational schools only, while private schools with education levels similar to their respective authorities are in each manager.

"However, if private schools implement (tourists) it is their authority (managers), because it is private," he said.

In addition, the former Acting Mayor of Batu, East Java, emphasized that the implementation of the study tour activities could still be carried out, as long as it did not violate the provisions set by the East Java Provincial Education Office.

"I do not prohibit study tours during which it meets standard operating procedures (SOPs)," he said.

The implementation of a study tour which is a study activity outside the classroom is still permitted because it aims to provide more education to each student.

Location selection must also prioritize the impact on increasing students' knowledge of a school.

"You can go to college and others whose children may have a request to continue their education," he said.

By Ananto Pradana