SURABAYA – The issue of alleged illegal levies (pungli) in several state schools in East Java is being widely discussed. In response, an official clarification was quickly provided.

The Head of the East Java Education Department stated that there are no illegal levies in all state high schools, vocational high schools, and special needs schools under the authority of the East Java Provincial Government.

“We confirm, there are no illegal levies in state schools,” was stated in a press release in Surabaya.

According to the statement, all funding for state school activities in East Java is regulated in the School Activity and Budget Plan (RKAS) document. The preparation of the RKAS is carried out openly with the school committee, prioritizing the principles of deliberation, transparency, and accountability.

Schools also receive funds from various sources, such as: BOS Funds (School Operational Assistance), BPOPP Funds (Provincial Education Operational Implementation Assistance), Voluntary contributions from the community. However, the intended community participation is not mandatory or forced.

“If BOS and BPOPP funds are not sufficient, the community may participate. But that is a voluntary contribution, the result of a meeting with the committee, not an illegal levy,” it was said.

The East Java Education Department also dismissed the issue of withholding diplomas. According to the statement, for the 2024 and 2025 graduates, all diplomas have been distributed. In fact, schools actively contact students or come directly to their homes if the diploma has not been picked up.

“All diplomas can be picked up without any conditions. They can even be printed independently because they are already digitally connected,” it was added.

The only obstacle is in specific cases, such as name spelling errors that must be corrected by the central office, or alumni who have moved residences and are difficult to contact.

It is important to know that the process must be done by the student in question because it is mandatory to include a thumbprint—so it cannot be done by proxy.

The Governor of East Java also gave serious attention to the management of school budgets.

“We want to ensure that the management of education funds is truly used to improve the quality of human resources,” the Governor stated.

According to the Governor, the education budget is not only for state schools but is also allocated to more than 4,000 private schools in East Java.

Despite the illegal levy issue, the education sector in East Java continues to record proud achievements. For six consecutive years, East Java has been the province with the largest number of students passing the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) and the National Selection Based on Test (SNBT) to enter state universities.

East Java also maintains the title of overall champion of the Vocational Student Competency Competition (LKS) for three consecutive years. “We want to realize the Golden Generation of 2045. Education is the key,” the Governor emphasized.

The East Java Education Department, together with branch offices and school supervisors, continues to carry out intensive supervision. If violations are found, firm action will be taken.

“We invite the public to also supervise and report any practices that do not comply with the rules. Let us keep the world of education clean and with integrity,” the statement concluded.

SURABAYA

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, located on East Java, and is historically celebrated as the „City of Heroes“ for its pivotal role in the nation’s struggle for independence. Its name is famously derived from the local myth of a battle between a shark (*suro*) and a crocodile (*boyo*). Today, it is a major industrial, commercial, and port city with a rich maritime heritage.

East Java

East Java is an Indonesian province on the eastern part of the island of Java, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and significant historical heritage. It was the seat of the powerful Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit Empire in the 13th to 16th centuries, one of the last major empires of the archipelago. The region is also home to iconic sites such as the active Mount Bromo and the ancient temple of Candi Penataran.

School Activity and Budget Plan (RKAS)

„School Activity and Budget Plan (RKAS)“ is not a place or cultural site, but rather an administrative document used in the Indonesian education system. It is an annual school work plan that details the planned educational activities and their corresponding budget allocations for a given fiscal year. The RKAS serves as a crucial operational and financial blueprint for schools to manage resources and implement their programs effectively.

BOS Funds

I am unable to provide a summary for „BOS Funds“ as it does not appear to be a recognized place or cultural site. It is likely a reference to a financial institution, investment fund, or a company, which falls outside the scope of historical or cultural landmarks.

BPOPP Funds

I am unable to provide a summary for „BPOPP Funds“ as it does not appear to be a recognized place, cultural site, or historical landmark. It is likely a reference to a specific financial or investment entity rather than a cultural destination.

National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP)

The National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) is not a physical place but an academic selection pathway for admission to Indonesian state universities. It was formerly known as SNMPTN (National Entrance Selection for State Universities) and evaluates prospective students based on their academic performance and school track record throughout high school, rather than a standardized national exam. This system aims to provide a more holistic assessment of a student’s capabilities and potential.

National Selection Based on Test (SNBT)

The National Selection Based on Test (SNBT) is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather the primary standardized test system used for admission into public universities in Indonesia. It was introduced in 2023 as a significant reform to the previous national exam system, aiming to evaluate students‘ general reasoning and problem-solving abilities rather than just their memorization of subject matter.

Vocational Student Competency Competition (LKS)

The Vocational Student Competency Competition (Lomba Kompetensi Siswa or LKS) is an annual national event in Indonesia where vocational high school students compete to demonstrate their skills in various technical and service fields. Established to enhance the quality of vocational education, it aims to prepare a skilled workforce that meets industry standards. The competition also serves as a selection process for Indonesia’s representatives at the international WorldSkills Competition.