The alleged practice of commercializing school uniforms at SMKN 1 Banyuwangi has come under the public spotlight after a number of parents complained about directives to purchase uniform packages following re-registration. The complaints arose because parents felt burdened and wanted the flexibility to fulfill school attribute needs independently according to their economic means.
To date, SMKN 1 Banyuwangi officials have chosen to remain silent. The Principal, identified by the initials Mul, and Public Relations staff member, identified as R0, did not respond when confirmed regarding the uniform procurement procedures. This silence from school management has sparked public questions about the transparency of fund management and internal school policies.
Responding to the controversy, the East Java Provincial Education Department emphasized that there is no obligation for new students to purchase uniforms at the school cooperative. In accordance with Permendikbudristek No. 50 of 2022, uniform procurement is the responsibility of parents, and schools are strictly prohibited from enforcing compliance or monopolizing uniform suppliers.
The Chairman of LSM Harimau DPC Banyuwangi, Yusuf Kurniawan, also spoke out and threatened to bring this matter to the national level if it is proven that certain individuals are turning education into a business. He stressed that his side is ready to monitor this case to completion so that no public members are harmed by disguised extortion practices within public school environments.
