Friday, 01 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, has officially issued the technical guidelines (Juknis) for the Student Admission System (SPMB) for the 2026/2027 academic year for senior high schools (SMA) and vocational schools (SMK).
The regulation is outlined in Governor's Decree No. 188.44/282/KPTS/2026, signed on April 23, 2026, in Medan. The policy is designed to ensure a fair, equitable, and high-quality education system across the province.
"SPMB implementation is based on the principles of objectivity, transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination, while optimizing the use of digital technology," Bobby Nasution stated in an official announcement on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Online Registration Becomes Standard
The North Sumatra provincial government will implement the 2026/2027 SPMB entirely through an online system. Offline registration will only be permitted in areas with limited infrastructure or those affected by disasters.
A total of 14 schools in Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli regencies, which were impacted by natural disasters, are exempted from the full digital system and may still conduct offline registration. Special provisions also apply to boarding schools such as SMAN 1 Plus Matauli and SMAN 2 Balige, as well as schools with industrial-based programs.
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Four Admission Pathways Introduced
The SPMB system consists of four admission pathways. The domicile route prioritizes students based on their residential area, with a minimum quota of 30% for SMA and up to 10% for SMK.
The affirmation pathway is intended for students from low-income families and those with disabilities, with a minimum quota of 30% for SMA and 20% for SMK.
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The achievement pathway recognizes both academic and non-academic accomplishments, with quotas set at a minimum of 35% for SMA and 70% for SMK. Meanwhile, the transfer pathway accommodates students whose parents relocate due to work, with a maximum quota of 5%.
Student Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be no older than 21 years at the time of registration and must provide a birth certificate or equivalent official document. Completion of grade 9 or an equivalent qualification is required.
For the domicile pathway, applicants must also submit a family card issued at least one year prior to registration.
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The provincial government expects education authorities to implement the system in an orderly manner, ensuring equal access to education for all students. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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