East Java launches second phase of student admission system, urges parents to stay in line

The second stage of the Sistem Penerimaan Murid Baru (SPMB) for junior high schools in Kediri, East Java, began on 15 June 2026. Officials reported large crowds, with more than 150 families waiting in line at SMPN 1 Ngasem. Education Department head Mokhamat Muhsin warned parents not to leave the queue, saying, “Saya melihat memang ada antrean lumayan ya, ada 100 lebih dan saya cek tadi nomor antrean sampai 150 yang dilayani.” Verification of documents remains mandatory despite online applications, to ensure fairness and prevent data manipulation.

In the earlier first phase of the 2026 SPMB across East Java, 54 056 secondary‑school candidates were accepted through the domicile pathway out of 213 066 applicants. The selection now prioritises combined academic scores rather than distance alone. Dinas Pendidikan Jawa Timur chief Aries Agung Paewai noted, “Selamat kepada calon murid SMA dan SMK yang diterima di tahap 1,” and outlined upcoming second‑phase pathways for affirmation, achievement and mutation candidates. The education authorities aim to distribute secondary‑education seats more equitably while maintaining academic standards.