Thousands of Tourists Flock to Bromo During School Holidays

 Probolinggo, July 22, 2025 – The school holiday season has brought a different kind of excitement to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Thousands of tourists from various regions, including Tangerang, have crowded the Bromo area since last weekend. The surge in visitors coincides with the Festival Pesona Bromo 2025, held from July 20 to 27.

The festival is organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with local governments. Local residents are also taking part by setting up food stalls, renting out horses, and guiding tourists to popular spots. Lines of jeeps have been seen stretching along the entrance at Cemoro Lawang as early as two in the morning, with visitors arriving early to secure the best viewing points for the sunrise.

The most crowded area is Penanjakan 1, where tourists gather to watch the sunrise before continuing their journey to the Sea of Sand, Bromo Crater, Teletubbies Hill, and the Savanna. The cold morning temperature, dropping to around eight to ten degrees Celsius, has boosted sales for local vendors offering hot drinks and snacks.

According to Ir. Wahyu Setiawan, Head of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency, visitor enthusiasm this year has risen sharply compared to previous years. “We are delighted to see so many visitors. We urge everyone to keep the area clean, follow the designated routes, and respect the local culture while visiting Bromo,” he said.

Besides its breathtaking natural scenery, the traditional Yadnya Kasada ceremony held at the Bromo Crater also draws many tourists. Visitors come to witness the Tenggerese community’s unique ritual of offering sacrifices into the crater as a form of gratitude. All of these experiences have made Bromo once again one of the most popular tourist destinations during this year’s school holidays.

MPLS in Tangerang’s Elementary Schools Should Be More Than Just a Formality

Every July, as a new school year begins, elementary schools across Tangerang hold Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS). Officially, MPLS is designed to help students adapt to their new environment, meet their teachers, and build early friendships. But in practice, I often see it treated as a routine agenda — a checklist to complete rather than a meaningful experience for our children.

In my view, MPLS at the elementary level should be a joyful introduction to school life, not a stiff orientation. These are young children, many attending school for the very first time. Some are excited, but many feel anxious and overwhelmed by new faces, new rules, and new routines. Instead of simply giving them speeches about discipline and rules, schools could use MPLS to create lasting positive impressions.

Imagine if every MPLS day in Tangerang’s elementary schools included:

• Interactive tours of the school guided by older students,

• Fun learning games introducing classroom rules,

• Storytelling sessions about school values,

• And even short workshops for parents to help them support their children’s adjustment.

When MPLS is done well, it becomes a bridge — connecting home and school, easing fears, and building excitement. When it’s done poorly, it risks making children associate school with boredom or even intimidation.

I strongly believe Tangerang has the resources and creativity to lead by example. Schools, teachers, and parents can work together to ensure MPLS is not just about knowing where the toilets and canteen are, but about building a welcoming culture from day one.

✅ What do you think?

Have you or your children experienced MPLS that left a positive impression? Or do you have ideas to make MPLS more meaningful? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments — together we can make the first step into school life something every child in Tangerang will remember fondly. 🎈📚✨

MBG Continuation Program in PAUD: Healthy Children, Bright Futures!

Tangerang, July 21, 2025 – The Tangerang City Government, through the Department of Education in collaboration with the Health Office, has officially launched the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) specifically for children enrolled in PAUD (Early Childhood Education). This follow-up program comes after the success of the first phase, which has been running since the beginning of the year and has proven to improve both children’s nutritional intake and their enthusiasm for learning.

🌱 Focusing on Early Childhood

A total of 120 PAUD centers in Tangerang City have been included in the beneficiary list. Each child will receive a nutritious lunch package consisting of:

• Rice, animal-based protein (chicken or fish), green vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk,

• All meals are adjusted to meet the nutritional standards of the Ministry of Health.

Head of the Tangerang City Education Department, Dr. Siti Marwiyah, stated during a press conference:

“This MBG program is not just about providing meals, but also educating children and parents about the importance of nutrition from an early age. We want PAUD students to grow healthy, active, and smart.”

📌 When and How It’s Implemented

• The continuation program begins in August 2025 and will run on every school day.

• Meal menus are supervised by nutrition officers from local health centers (puskesmas).

• Each PAUD center is required to submit a weekly report on children’s meal consumption for evaluation.

📈 Positive Impact

Data from the Health Office shows that after six months of the initial MBG program:

• Children with good nutritional status increased from 72% to 89%.

• There was a noticeable decrease in cases of anemia and underweight among PAUD children in the city.

A teacher at Darul Mutmainah PAUD, Ms. Mutmainah, shared her experience:

“Since the MBG program started, the children are more excited to come to school. They know there’s a delicious and healthy meal every day, and we teachers also find it easier to engage them in learning after meals.”

🎯 Hopes and Call to Action

The continuation of the MBG program in Tangerang’s PAUD centers is expected to serve as a model for other regions in supporting the national movement to prevent stunting. Parents are encouraged to continue these healthy eating habits at home.

Flood Hits IKEA Alam Sutera, Shoppers Caught Off Guard and Soaked

 

South Tangerang — Heavy rain that lashed South Tangerang on Sunday afternoon, July 6, 2025, led to unexpected flooding in several areas, including the popular shopping destination IKEA Alam Sutera. The parking lot and basement of the giant Swedish furniture store were inundated, causing panic among visitors, some of whom were forced to wade through ankle-deep water to get to safety.

Water began to rise in the parking area around 4:30 p.m. While the open-air parking lot saw minor flooding of about 5 cm, the basement area experienced more severe conditions, with water reaching above ankle level — approximately 15 to 20 cm — making it difficult for vehicles to exit.

“My family and I were eating in the upstairs food court when other visitors warned us about the flooding in the basement. By the time we got down, the water had already reached the bottom of our car doors,” said Mita, a shopper who was trapped in the basement.

IKEA management temporarily shut down access to elevators and escalators for safety reasons. Security staff were seen helping direct traffic and assist with the evacuation of vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though some visitors claimed to have lost personal belongings while rushing to avoid the rising water.

By 7:00 p.m., the water had begun to recede, and operations inside the store gradually returned to normal. However, many customers opted to leave early. IKEA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

This incident serves as a reminder that even modern commercial centers are not immune to the effects of extreme weather. Locals are advised to stay alert and check weather updates before heading out, especially during the rainy season.

Dive Without Getting Wet: An Unforgettable Holiday at BXSea, South Tangerang

 

South Tangerang, July 7, 2025, If you're looking for a fun and refreshing holiday without traveling far, BXSea at Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall 2 might just surprise you. This brand-new indoor oceanarium offers an immersive experience into the underwater world—modern, interactive, and suitable for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by dim lights, deep-sea ambiance, and exotic marine life swimming past giant glass tanks. Children and adults alike are instantly enchanted.

BXSea is far more than just a place to see fish. It features over 20 thematic zones, such as Seahorse Empire, Rainforest, and Shark Path—each crafted to replicate the animals’ natural habitats. The highlight is the 17-meter-long Sea Tunnel, the longest underwater glass tunnel in Southeast Asia, giving guests the surreal feeling of walking on the ocean floor. Beyond the visual appeal, BXSea also educates through detailed panels and live feeding shows. “My son didn’t want to leave,” said Nabila (32), a visitor from Cipondoh. “He was mesmerized by the jellyfish and super excited during the piranha feeding show. This place is so educational without feeling like a classroom.”

BXSea is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, and on weekends it opens earlier at 9 AM. The best time to visit is in the morning on weekdays to avoid crowds and fully enjoy every zone. Entry tickets are available both onsite and online (via platforms like tiket.com), with regular tickets ranging from IDR 140,000 to IDR 180,000 depending on the day. VIP packages, starting at IDR 175,000, offer a more exclusive experience, including private tours and behind-the-scenes access.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Jurangmangu KRL Station, BXSea is easy to reach. For those driving, the mall offers ample parking directly connected to the venue. Inside, guests can enjoy complete facilities, including prayer rooms, clean toilets, nursing rooms, lockers, souvenir shops, and ocean-themed cafes.

BXSea isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a destination that blends entertainment, education, and visual wonder all in one. Whether you’re with family, your significant other, or simply escaping your daily routine, this underwater adventure will leave you inspired and amazed. There’s no need to dive deep into the ocean—because now, the wonders of the sea are closer than ever, right in the heart of South Tangerang.

School Holidays: Thousands of Tourists Flock to Jakarta’s Tourist Attractions

 

Jakarta 30 June 2025 — The school holiday season has been seized by thousands of residents to travel with their families to various popular destinations in the capital city. Since the end of June, places such as Ancol, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), and Ragunan Zoo have recorded a significant surge in visitors.

Long queues were seen at the entrance of Ancol from early in the morning. “We came from Tangerang at six in the morning to avoid the crowds, but it was already packed,” said Rina (38), a housewife who came with her two children.

The school holiday, which runs until mid-July, is a golden opportunity for families to take their children on vacation after the end-of-semester exams. Many residents choose Jakarta because of its easy access, wide range of entertainment options, and relatively affordable prices.

Tourist attraction managers have prepared various measures to handle the influx of visitors, such as increasing the number of staff, providing additional facilities, and maintaining cleanliness and comfort. At TMII, for example, visitors are greeted with cultural performances held every weekend.

According to the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, the number of local tourists during this holiday season is estimated to increase by up to 30 percent compared to last year. The government urges the public to continue maintaining order and cleanliness while traveling.

With sunny weather and a festive holiday atmosphere, Jakarta once again proves to be one of the top family destinations for spending the school break with fun and educational activities.

Jakarta’s 498th Anniversary Lights Up Kota Tua with Culture and Celebration

 Jakarta, June 22, 2025 – In celebration of its 498th anniversary, the city of Jakarta held a spectacular public event at Fatahillah Square in Kota Tua, drawing thousands of visitors from across the city and beyond.

Organized by the Jakarta Provincial Government, the celebration kicked off in the afternoon and lasted until late evening. The square was transformed into a cultural stage featuring Betawi traditional music, ondel-ondel parades, and a dramatic storytelling of Jakarta’s origin as “Jayakarta”, established on June 22, 1527.

The highlight of the night was a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance at the Wayang Museum, where a young dalang presented a classical tale with modern elements. The event concluded with a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

Vice Governor of Jakarta stated, “This celebration is not only about honoring Jakarta’s history, but also about strengthening our connection to the city’s cultural roots.”

For many, the event offered a meaningful and festive way to experience Jakarta’s heritage. “It was beautiful and full of energy. I felt proud to be a part of it,” said Woozi, a tourist visitor.

Tangerang City Successfully Implements Online SPMB for Elementary Schools

 Tangerang, June 18, 2025 — The 2025/2026 New Student Admission Selection (SPMB) for elementary schools in Tangerang City was carried out fully online and has concluded successfully, with the process running smoothly, transparently, and free from illegal levies.

The Department of Education of Tangerang City confirmed that all phases—from pre-registration, Phase I online admission, to document verification—proceeded on schedule and without major technical issues. The digital platform used, accessible through spmbmandiri.tangerangkota.go.id, was praised for improving accessibility for parents and increasing transparency in the admission process.

“We deeply appreciate the active participation of the community. Everything went smoothly thanks to the cooperation of parents, school principals, and the technical team. This proves that our online system is well-prepared and effective,” said Hj. Siti Rahmawati, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the Tangerang City Education Office.

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Multi-Track Admission and Transparent Scoring

This year’s SPMB included various enrollment tracks:

• Affirmation Track (for low-income families)

• Disability Track

• Parental Transfer Track

• Domicile Track (ranging from neighborhood-level to outside Tangerang City)

Each track was evaluated using a point-based system, verified residence documentation, and other digital criteria. Parents were required to upload official documents and follow detailed instructions provided in the form of written guides and video tutorials.

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Positive Feedback from Parents

Many parents expressed appreciation for the online process, noting the convenience and clarity of the digital system. The absence of in-person visits helped reduce costs and logistical burdens.

“At first I was hesitant about the online process, but it turned out to be well-structured and easy to follow. Thank you to everyone involved,” said Mrs. Diah, a parent from Poris District.

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Zero Tolerance for Bribery and a Commitment to Integrity

The Tangerang City Government reiterated its commitment to a zero-bribery policy throughout the SPMB process. All officials and committee members were required to sign an integrity pact to ensure accountability and fairness, and to eliminate backdoor admissions.

“We want to ensure that every child has a fair opportunity, free from pressure or influence,” added Hj. Siti Rahmawati, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the Tangerang City Education Office

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Next Steps and Announcement Timeline

Following the completion of Phase I, a Phase II registration will be opened if there are still available seats. The results are scheduled to be announced progressively between June 4 and June 17, 2025, depending on the admission track. Parents of accepted students can then proceed with online re-registration, eliminating the need for school visits.

2025 SMP Diploma Blank Form Socialization: New Standards and Essential Steps for Schools

Tangerang, June 2, 2025 — The 2024/2025 academic year brings important updates to the issuance of junior high school (SMP) diplomas in Indonesia. The Directorate of Junior High Schools under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology held an online socialization event to thoroughly explain the new procedures and standards for issuing SMP diploma blank forms in 2025. This initiative aims to prepare all schools to comply with the latest regulations and ensure a smooth graduation process for students.

What’s new this year? The diploma issuance process now incorporates a fully integrated digital system that guarantees data accuracy and document authenticity. The diplomas will be printed on high-quality A4-sized paper with a minimum weight of 80 gsm, ensuring a professional and durable certificate.

Key points schools need to focus on include:

• Early Student Data Validation: Data correction and verification should start as early as 7th grade to avoid errors during diploma issuance.

• Issuance of Diploma Numbers and Graduation Decrees: Administrative steps are structured and monitored through an online system.

• Photo Attachment and Digital Signatures: Student photos and the principal’s digital signatures must be affixed on the diploma blanks before printing, replacing traditional manual signatures.

• Submission of a Legally Binding Statement (SPTJM): Schools are required to upload this stamped document as proof of responsibility for graduation data accuracy.

Interestingly, this year’s diplomas no longer require fingerprint stamps, simplifying the process while maintaining document integrity. Schools also enjoy flexibility in using electronic signatures in accordance with current regulations.

Regional education offices may assist by providing standardized paper and ink supplies but must do so without charging schools, promoting a fair and transparent system.

The socialization also emphasizes the importance of early and ongoing coordination between schools and local education authorities to ensure diploma issuance runs smoothly and on time. This way, students will receive their diplomas without delay, equipping them for their next educational journey.

These updates in diploma issuance reflect a commitment to higher educational standards and more modern administration, aligning with Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) digital transformation movement.

Tangerang City Education Office Officially Launches New Student Admission System (SPMB) for Academic Year 2025/2026

 

Tangerang City, May 28, 2025 – The Tangerang City Education Office has officially announced and conducted a socialization of the New Student Admission System (SPMB) for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The admission process prioritizes transparency, easy online access, and structured quota allocations based on student domicile and achievements.

Legal Framework and Implementation of SPMB 2025

The implementation of the Tangerang City SPMB follows several key regulations, including the Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation Number 3 of 2025 on New Student Admission Systems, as well as Tangerang Mayor Decrees No. 496 and No. 422 of 2025 that regulate technical guidelines and domicile determinations for elementary and junior high school admissions.

Online Pre-Registration and Registration Process

Prospective students for both elementary (SD) and junior high schools (SMP) are required to complete an online pre-registration through the official website praspmb.tangerangkota.go.id. During this stage, applicants must submit important administrative documents such as National Identity Number (NIK), Family Card Number (KK), National Student Identification Number (NISN), parents’ identification, and academic report cards for out-of-city graduates or previous year graduates.

After data verification by the Education Office, applicants will receive a PIN used to proceed with the main registration independently via spmbmandiri.tangerangkota.go.id or the mobile application.

Admission Pathways and Quotas

The Tangerang SPMB defines multiple admission pathways with clear quota distribution and priorities:

• Domicile Pathway (80% quota), subdivided into:

  • School environment domicile (40%)

  • Regional domicile (20%)

  • General domicile/inter-regional (15%)

  • Outside Tangerang City domicile (5%)

• Affirmation Pathway (15% quota), for students from low-income families registered under government social assistance programs.

• Mutation Pathway (5% quota), for students relocating due to parental job transfers.

• Disability Pathway, with a dedicated quota, accepting a maximum of 2 students per elementary school and 2.5% of the affirmation quota at junior high school level.

• Achievement Pathway, for students with academic or non-academic competition achievements within a specified validity period.

Priorities and General Conditions

For elementary level, students must be at least 6 years old by July 1, 2025, with priority given to those aged 7 and above. Exceptions are made for gifted children aged 5 years 6 months or older, supported by professional psychological recommendations.

Applicants under the disability pathway must provide official certification of their condition and pass an initial assessment ensuring a minimum IQ of 80 for readiness to pursue formal education.

Important Admission Schedule for 2025

Pre-registration opens from April 21 to July 10, 2025, for elementary level and until July 6, 2025, for junior high level. Verification, announcement of results, and re-registration are scheduled in phases aligned with each admission pathway, with the first announcement in June and the second phase in July 2025.

Capacity and Regional Mapping

The total intake capacity for elementary schools is 25,312 students from 41,881 graduates, while junior high schools can admit 21,168 students from 30,670 graduates. The allocation is mapped across Tangerang’s East, Central, and West zones to ensure equitable access to education.

System Implementation and Expectations

The online SPMB system aims to facilitate parents and students to register easily without needing to visit schools physically, while promoting fairness and transparency in selection. The Tangerang Education Office also emphasizes inclusive education by providing dedicated quotas for students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged families.

Drs. H. Sachrudin, Mayor of Tangerang, along with Drs. H. Jamaluddin, M.Pd, Head of the Education Office, encourage all residents to utilize the online system optimally and comply with the scheduled deadlines to ensure a smooth student admission process.

Mini Thesis Examination for 6th Semester Students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang

 Tangerang, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang are reaching a significant milestone in their academic journey with the mini thesis examination. Today, 6th-semester students from the English Education Department will present their research findings in front of their academic advisors and examiners. This examination is a vital part of the assessment process that will determine their progression toward graduation.

The mini thesis examination aims to evaluate students' abilities to organize and present their academic research. Each student is required to present the findings of their research on topics related to the development and application of English education in Indonesia. As part of the evaluation, students must also demonstrate their ability to analyze data and provide robust arguments related to their research results.

Examination Rooms and Academic Advisors
The mini thesis examination will be held in designated rooms based on students' academic advisors:

• A 10.1: Academic Advisor: Yudhie Indra Gunawan, M.Pd.

• A 10.2: Academic Advisor: Nargis, M.Hum.

• A 10.3: Academic Advisor: Abdul Rohim, M.Pd.

Each room will be the setting for students to present their research findings on various topics they have explored, such as the impact of technology on English teaching, challenges in English education in the digital era, and issues related to teaching English in schools across Indonesia.

Objectives and Benefits of the Mini Thesis Examination
This examination is not only aimed at assessing students' academic abilities but also provides an opportunity for discussion and feedback from both professors and fellow students. Through this examination, students will receive valuable feedback that they can use to further develop their research skills.

Moreover, the mini thesis examination prepares students for the professional world with the essential skills needed for research, academic communication, and public presentation. It is expected that this examination will equip students with practical experiences that will be beneficial for their future careers, whether in academia or in the professional realm.

Future Prospects
Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang, through its Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, remains committed to producing graduates who are ready to compete and contribute in the field of education, particularly in English teaching. With in-depth academic programs and this mini thesis examination, students are tested not only on their knowledge but also on practical skills that are crucial for success in the future.