Parents Bear the Brunt of School Uniform Corruption by Langkat Regent
Education observer Satriawan Salim has strongly condemned the alleged corruption implicating Langkat Regent Syah Afandin in a gratification case related to the procurement of primary school uniforms. He assessed that this corrupt practice not only harms state finances but also directly disadvantages parents who are already facing high education costs.
Satriawan stressed that corruption in the education sector constitutes a betrayal of students’ rights. Funds that should have been allocated to support students’ basic needs were allegedly misappropriated through the uniform procurement project.
“We, as an education organisation and teachers, strongly condemn the corruption involving school uniforms, whether for primary, junior high, or other levels. This clearly harms parents amidst the already high cost of education, both at the basic and secondary levels,” Satriawan told reporters on Sunday (5/7).
According to Satriawan, corruption in education remains a serious issue in national education governance. He expressed deep regret that the alleged misappropriation targeted a basic necessity such as school uniforms.
“It turns out the one enjoying the benefits of these uniforms is the regional head, who seized the opportunity or niche for corruption from the procurement. When uniform procurement is corrupted, there will certainly be systemic impacts,” he added.
On this basis, he urged law enforcement agencies, from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Attorney General’s Office to the police, to tighten supervision of projects in the education sector. Satriawan also encouraged the public, particularly parents, to be brave in reporting any suspected irregularities they encounter on the ground.
Satriawan demanded that law enforcement officials take firm action against all perpetrators of corruption in the education sector. He stressed this is crucial to ensure that the substantial education budget is truly utilised to improve the quality of learning, rather than lining the pockets of officials.
“We urge law enforcement to be truly firm in handling this case, so that the large education budget can genuinely fulfil the rights of students and teachers in order to achieve quality learning outcomes,” he asserted.
The corruption case involving the Langkat Regent’s school uniform procurement serves as a stark warning of weak education governance and the vulnerability of education budgets to corruption.