UNAIR NEWS – On December 23, 2025, the Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah (Kemendikdasmen) announced the results of the Academic Competence Test (TKA) for senior high school students. The results revealed a significant decline in overall scores.
At the senior high school level, the average score in Indonesian language was 57.39, followed by mathematics at 37.23 and English at 26.71. Meanwhile, at vocational high schools, the average score for Indonesian language reached 53.62, followed by mathematics at 34.74 and English at 22.55. The data indicate that across both educational tracks, Indonesian language scores remain consistently higher than those for mathematics and English.
Factors behind the decline in TKA scores
According to Tuti Budirahayu, a professor of sociology of education at Universitas Airlangga, the Academic Competence Test is often perceived as less important than major examinations such as the National Exam (UN) or the Achievement Based National Selection (SNBP), which are widely viewed as determining students’ futures. In addition, the rapid development of the digital era has also influenced students’ learning behavior. Exposure to instant lifestyles frequently portrayed on social media can create the impression that success can be achieved quickly without a long process. Over time, this perception may weaken students’ critical thinking, analytical abilities, and long-term concentration.
Possible solutions
Several measures can be taken to address this issue. First, students need to be encouraged to understand the value of learning as a process of developing knowledge and personal capabilities. Proper guidance is also necessary so that the material students learn is not only understood theoretically but can also be applied in everyday life. In addition, the use of technology should be optimized to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools. Educational reform is equally important to strengthen the existing system. Such efforts should also aim to reduce disparities in education across regions and schools, while reinforcing mentoring systems and counseling services so that students receive stronger academic and personal support throughout their learning process.
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