Semarang, July 5, 2026 – Children's laughter filled the orientation room at Birrul Walidain 'Aisyiyah Integrated Kindergarten in Kudus. Instead of taking reading or math tests, they were invited to play, interact, and explore the school environment. For teachers, this is the best way to recognize each child's character. For parents, this experience is a calming start to their child's journey into Early Childhood Education (PAUD).

Eni Uswati experienced this when registering her youngest daughter through the New Student Admissions System (SPMB). She said the process was simple and provided the school with a chance to get to know the child from the start. "The requirements are simply to bring a birth certificate, family card, and a passport photo. After verification, we attend an orientation with the child. The children are taken through an initial assessment so the teachers can get to know their character from the start," Eni said.

Eni's confidence is well-founded. Her three children previously attended the same school and grew up in a welcoming learning environment. "The teachers are very caring. My child, who used to be very active, is now more focused and engaged in religious practices. We hope that the children now also gain a foundation in religion, knowledge, and independence to prepare them for their next level," she said.

Fathur Rohman had a similar experience. After his son attended Playgroup at the school, he chose to continue on to kindergarten, believing that early childhood education isn't about pursuing academic achievement. "We felt the process was excellent. Parents were given explanations, while the children were introduced to the school environment through fun activities. We hope our children will become more independent, more responsible, and develop more character," he said.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, emphasized that early childhood is the foundation for children's development at subsequent levels of education. "Almost all educational theories state that the first seven years of life are the most crucial. Early childhood education is the foundation for all subsequent educational processes," he said.

Therefore, the government has included PAUD in the 13-Year Compulsory Education program, while expanding support through the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) for kindergarten students from target families and improving the competency of PAUD teachers.

Abdul Mu'ti also reminded educational institutions not to burden children with academic demands that are not developmentally appropriate. "Don't burden kindergarten children with excessive academic demands. Early childhood education is a space for children to play, socialize, build self-confidence, practice motor skills, instill good habits, and build character," he advised.

This spirit is reflected in the implementation of the SPMB at Birrul Walidain 'Aisyiyah Integrated Kindergarten. The school's principal, Ami, stated that all registration information is communicated openly, while also providing a platform for building partnerships with parents. "We want to ensure that every parent understands from the outset the school's vision, curriculum, and the collaborative patterns that will be established. Kindergarten is not a place to compete to get children to read quickly, but rather a place to build a foundation of morals, character, and readiness to learn," Ami explained.

The Head of the SPMB Committee, Lelly, added that registration services are flexible, offering in-person, online, and WhatsApp support to ensure parents feel comfortable from the start. "Our goal is simple: for parents to feel at ease when registering their children. That's why we provide various communication channels, assist them throughout the registration process, and ensure every document is thoroughly verified," she said.

The friendly implementation of the Early Childhood Education (PAUD) SPMB demonstrates that the new student admission process is more than just an administrative process. More than that, the SPMB is the first step in building collaboration between schools, families, and the government to foster character, independence, and a love of learning in children. For young children, learning experiences become more meaningful and enjoyable when introduced through play.*** (Author & Photographer: Shaka)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers

#QualityEducationforAll
#MinistryOfEducationAndEducationFriendly
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education