TULUNGAGUNG – The ongoing Tulungagung school principal vacancy has raised serious concerns among academics. They warn that delays could disrupt school operations and create legal risks across the local education system.
Public policy observer and academic Andreas Andrie Djatmiko said the issue became more complicated after the recent Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation. At the same time, schools are entering a transition period under new education regulations.
He said schools are adjusting to Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Regulation (Permendikdasmen) No. 7 of 2025. This situation makes leadership uncertainty even more dangerous for daily school operations.
“The polemic over school principal appointments has a major impact on school operations, especially during this regulatory transition,” Andreas said on Tuesday (April 28).
He explained that one of the biggest concerns involves administrative validity. Acting principals only have limited authority when signing important documents such as diplomas, report cards, and budget accountability reports.
If officials do not solve this problem quickly, schools could face legal complications. The risk becomes higher because many schools are approaching the end of the academic semester.
Budget management also faces serious threats. Schools may struggle to disburse and manage School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds and other education budgets without definitive principals.
Andreas also warned about internal school performance. The absence of permanent leadership can reduce teacher motivation and slow strategic decision-making inside schools.
Teachers and staff often need clear direction from a definitive principal. Without that leadership, policy decisions become slower and school programs lose momentum.
“This uncertainty can reduce the performance of teachers and staff because there is no permanent leader to make policy decisions,” he said.
He also highlighted risks to teachers’ professional allowance payments. Problems with invalid or incomplete administration could delay certification allowance disbursement.
Teaching and learning activities still continue in schools. However, Andreas said many school programs cannot run at their full potential without stable and definitive leadership.
“If this continues, the impact could be severe for education in Tulungagung,” he stressed.
He urged the Tulungagung Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to do more than supervision. He asked lawmakers to actively push the regional executive to speed up the appointment process.
The need for administrative certainty has become urgent because schools are nearing the end of the semester. This period requires official signatures and legal accountability for many documents.
“The DPRD should also encourage the acting regent to accelerate the process so it does not drag on, while still complying with existing laws and regulations,” he added.
The Tulungagung regency administration is now accelerating the appointment of 139 definitive school principals. Officials expect to complete most appointments this week and finish the rest next week.
They hope this move will end the long-running controversy. They also expect it to restore proper education governance across Tulungagung schools.