Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is preparing an offline-based Academic Ability Test (TKA) to address limitations in information and communication technology in Indonesia’s remote, frontier, and outermost regions (3T).
This policy aims to overcome challenges posed by uneven internet access and ICT infrastructure across the country.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti stated that all implementation scenarios have been carefully prepared.
He explained, “Yes, we have anticipated everything. Not all questions need to be online-based. Some questions are computer-based but do not require downloading. In regions without internet access, we provide questions pre-installed on each computer.”
Offline System and Anti Cheating Measures
The TKA for elementary and junior high school levels will still use a computer-based system, similar to the one previously implemented for senior high schools.
The offline system involves installing the test directly on the participants’ computers, eliminating the need for an internet connection.
This computer-based approach is intended to minimize potential cheating during the exams.
Abdul Mu’ti emphasized, “Everything is computer-based; nothing is on paper. Paper-based tests could increase the risk of cheating. This has been anticipated from the beginning.”
Facility Sharing and Implementation Logistics
The government also anticipates schools lacking computer labs by implementing a facility-sharing scheme.
Schools without labs can use facilities at nearby schools with adequate infrastructure.
The sharing system does not need to occur within the same school level. Junior high schools can share with elementary or senior high schools, as long as the facilities are sufficient.
Abdul Mu’ti explained, “There is no problem. Schools without computer labs can share with other schools. This sharing does not need to be at the same level because the exams are not simultaneous. For example, junior high students can share with elementary or senior high schools, which we have prepared well in advance.”
On the first day of the TKA for junior high school students, participants completed 30 mathematics and numeracy questions within 75 minutes.
They then continued with a character survey, which was completed in 20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has proactively implemented an offline Academic Ability Test (TKA) for remote, frontier, and outermost regions (3T) to ensure equitable access despite internet and ICT limitations. By using pre-installed computer-based tests and facility-sharing schemes, the government minimizes the risk of cheating while maintaining a smooth and fair examination process for students across all levels.
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