Entering the new academic year, anxiety has gripped several parents of students at SMKN 1 Sambeng, Lamongan Regency. This is triggered by various education cost levies deemed burdensome, ranging from the obligation to purchase uniform fabric packages at fantastic prices to monthly fees under new guises.
Based on gathered information, new students are required to pay for uniform fabric packages worth millions of rupiah. Not only is it expensive, but the procurement system is also suspected of being monopolized by certain parties, without giving parents the freedom to purchase outside of school. Currently, the suspected involvement and oversight of the Lamongan Regional Education Office Branch regarding the uniform supply chain is still being investigated.
Parents' complaints do not stop at the uniform issue. They are also burdened with monthly fees suspected of being intentionally disguised to avoid being labeled as Education Development Contributions (SPP). The amount of these levies varies depending on the major and activity programs the students participate in. In addition, there are also fees for an industrial visit to Yogyakarta amounting to Rp500,000 to Rp600,000 per student, along with building contribution fees and other financing components.
The accumulation of these various levies is considered highly burdensome for family finances, especially amid a community financial situation that is not yet fully stable. Meanwhile, the Principal of SMKN 1 Sambeng, Muhammad Subkan, has chosen to remain silent and has not yet provided an official response when contacted by journalists regarding the complaints and the transparency of fund management at his school.
