Welcoming the new 2026/2027 academic year, the Pekanbaru City Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) issued a strict instruction to all educational units, both public and private, to stop the buying and selling of uniforms within school grounds. This measure was taken to prevent monopolies that have frequently burdened the economy of students' guardians.
Chairman of Commission III of the Pekanbaru DPRD, Jepta Sitohang, emphasized that schools are not allowed to direct or require parents to buy uniform supplies at designated shops or tailors. According to him, schools are only authorized to set standard types, models, and colors of uniforms, while purchasing decisions remain entirely the right of the guardians to choose the most affordable option.
"We have signed an integrity pact to ensure that the admission process down to the school attribute requirements are not turned into a business opportunity. This practice is an old pattern that must be stopped for the sake of educational transparency," Jepta said in an official statement on Sunday (July 5, 2026).
In addition to the uniform issue, the DPRD also urged the Pekanbaru City Education Office (Disdik) to tighten supervision over the post-selection student admission process. This supervision is focused on minimizing potential irregularities, including the issue of student admissions through unofficial channels, which frequently concerns the public every year.
Commission III of the DPRD hopes that this commitment will not merely remain an administrative appeal, but will be practically implemented in the field. With consistent supervision, it is hoped that the 2026/2027 academic year can proceed accountably and no longer burden the public with additional costs outside official regulations.
