Alleged Extortion at MAN 1 Tasikmalaya City, Ministry of Religious Affairs Must Take Action

 MAN 1 Tasikmalaya City was involved in an alleged illegal levy (pungli) that disturbed parents. The fees charged, including PPDB and tuition fees, are allegedly not in accordance with applicable education regulations. 

Despite supervision from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and regulations on eradicating extortion, the school is still engaging in unlawful practices. 

Parents urged the Kemenag to immediately investigate and take decisive action to protect education rights and prevent a decline in public trust in educational institutions.

Illegal levies at MAN 1 Tasikmalaya City have received serious attention from parents. Information has emerged that there are fees charged to students, including PPDB fees of Rp 4,665,000, tuition fees of Rp 100,000 per month, re-registration fees of Rp 250,000 per semester, and LKS purchase fees of Rp 250,000. 

This is questionable, considering that the law states that education must be free from levies without legal basis. 

With various existing legal bases, including the Minister of Education and Culture's regulation and the Government Regulation related to the eradication of illegal levies in schools, it is disappointing to see that this policy remains in effect. 

The lack of transparency in school financial management suggests negligence on the part of those who should be supervising, including the Ministry of Education.

Assistant Principal of Students Affairs Kankan S. The collection of this fee is based on the results of a deliberation between the committee and the school principal. However, this statement shows the shortcomings in ensuring compliance of all decisions with existing rules.

 The presence of a school operational car at the committee chairman's house only adds to the suspicion that there is a behind-the-scenes game to the detriment of parents. Parents are expected to voice their dissatisfaction and urge the Ministry of Religious Affairs to conduct in-depth evaluations and on-site inspections.

 Otherwise, this situation could undermine public trust in educational institutions and disrupt the continuation of education of students who may decide to transfer to other schools. Enforcing the rules and resolving these allegations of illegal levies is crucial to maintaining the integrity of education in Indonesia, especially at MAN 1 Tasikmalaya City.