inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ombudsman emphasized the importance of reform in the implementation of the New Student Admissions System (SPMB) to ensure the quality and accountability of education in Indonesia.

In the Bakohumas thematic forum in Jakarta, Friday (23/5), Ombudsman Chairman Mokhammad Najih said that SPMB and the New Student Admissions (PPDB) have faced various problems, ranging from ineffective regulations, weak supervision, to maladministration practices.

"In general, problems occur due to suboptimal implementation of regulations, which gives rise to loopholes for deviations and polemics in the field," said Najih, as confirmed in Jakarta, Monday (5/26/2025).

It was recorded that the Ombudsman received at least 916 complaints related to PPDB in 2024. 

The most reports were regarding procedural deviations, incompetence, and not providing services.

On the problem trend, Najih revealed that the initial implementation of the PPDB selection path was mostly technocratic in nature, such as policies, registration procedures, and infrastructure.

"Lately, the more prominent PPDB problem is the practice of fraud or cheating in the selection path process, while for SPMB, the Ombudsman is currently supervising it," he said.

In addition, he added that the Ombudsman also criticized the low level of compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), weak internal supervision, and extortion practices and abuse of authority in SPMB.

Najih continued that the impact was not only on the quality of education, but also decreased public trust in educational institutions.

In order to improve, the Ombudsman also encouraged the optimization of the role of the Education Quality Assurance Center (BPMP and BBPMP), increased coordination between agencies, and communication with school units in each region.

He said the Ombudsman also invited the community to participate in providing aspirations related to SPMB.

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