Indonesia implements TKA academic testing for vocational and high school students

Indonesia has launched the 2026 Academic Ability Test (TKA) for vocational (SMK) and high school (SMA) students nationwide. More than 1.4 million SMK students participated in the assessment, which serves as a tool to measure learning achievements and identify areas where student abilities need strengthening.

According to Tatang Muttaqin, Director General of Secondary and Special Education, the TKA results will provide feedback to schools, helping them improve teaching methods and tailor learning to student needs. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has prepared question packages specifically adjusted to various vocational expertise fields.

The TKA follows a model similar to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) developed by the OECD. This approach shifts the focus from rote memorization to higher-order thinking skills, requiring students to analyze information and solve problems within specific contexts. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that the exam is intended to reflect the quality of education rather than to cause student pressure, noting that results will be used to drive educational improvements.