Indonesia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) will conduct the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary school (SD/MI) and junior high school (SMP/MTs) students starting in April 2026. This test extends the academic mapping policy from upper secondary levels and aims to better understand students' learning achievements.
Jakarta – Indonesia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has announced the Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary (SD/MI equivalent) and junior high (SMP/MTs equivalent) levels, set to begin in April 2026. This initiative builds on the academic mapping policy previously implemented for upper secondary education.
Minister Abdul Mu'ti stressed that TKA is not a graduation exam and is voluntary. "TKA is not a graduation exam and is not mandatory. Its purpose is to help schools, local governments, and stakeholders understand the real academic achievements of students, enabling more targeted learning improvements," he said during the TKA Media Briefing in Jakarta on Monday.
The test will be integrated with the National Assessment (AN), with evaluation approaches tailored to students' developmental stages. Head of the Education Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Agency (BSKAP) Toni Toharudin described TKA as a national diagnostic tool that is fair, contextual, and sustainable. "TKA data serves as a starting point for improvements, not an endpoint. Results will strengthen deep learning, refine curricula, and enhance teaching quality," he stated.
Key stages include registration for grade VI primary and grade IX junior high students from January 19 to February 28, 2026. SMP simulations are scheduled for February 23 to March 1, 2026, and SD simulations from March 2 to 8, 2026. Final preparations, or dress rehearsals, will occur from March 9 to 17, 2026. Main TKA execution for SMP runs April 6 to 16, 2026, and for SD from April 20 to 30, 2026.
The entire process will be computer-based, considering regional infrastructure readiness. Adjustment mechanisms are prepared to address on-site technical challenges.
