West Java PKB Faction Pledges to Improve Student Admissions, Support Pesantren

The National Awakening Party (PKB) faction in the West Java Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD Jabar) has pledged to oversee improvements to the new student admission system (SPMB) and ensure ongoing support for Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).

Sidkon Djampi, a member of Commission I of the DPRD Jabar from the PKB faction, stated that aspirations collected during the faction's recess highlighted public concerns. Two primary issues emerged: equitable access to education through SPMB and sustained support for pesantren.

"The recess results show the public hopes the government will give serious attention to improving SPMB to be fairer, while also ensuring pesantren continue to receive support as educational institutions that have greatly contributed to building the nation's character," Sidkon said. He noted that while the public welcomed the Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2021 on Facilitating Pesantren Implementation, its execution needs strengthening, especially for pesantren in remote areas. Many still face infrastructure limitations and require continuous government backing.

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The recess results show the public hopes the government will give serious attention to improving SPMB to be fairer, while also ensuring pesantren continue to receive support as educational institutions that have greatly contributed to building the nation's character.

Regarding education access, the PKB faction heard numerous complaints about the SPMB process. Issues cited include complex governance, limited capacity in public high schools and vocational schools, and uneven educational access, hindering many from obtaining quality education. The faction advocates for a comprehensive reform of SPMB governance, alongside the construction of new school units and classrooms in underserved areas. They also urge the provincial government to fully implement the Pesantren Facilitation Regulation with proportional and transparent budgeting.

Sidkon emphasized that the PKB faction will champion these public aspirations through legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions. He believes quality education and strong pesantren are crucial for developing a competitive and character-driven generation in West Java. "The PKB faction will ensure that every public aspiration we receive does not remain just recess notes but is fought for as people-centric policy. Improving SPMB and strengthening pesantren must be part of the effort to build a more advanced, just, and civilized West Java," he stated.

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The PKB faction will ensure that every public aspiration we receive does not remain just recess notes but is fought for as people-centric policy. Improving SPMB and strengthening pesantren must be part of the effort to build a more advanced, just, and civilized West Java.