School Uniform Makers Gear Up for New Academic Year Amidst Order Slowdown

Workers are completing the production of school uniforms at the Andor Apparel Workshop in the Small Industry Centre (PIK), Jakarta, on Friday (3/7/2026). Ahead of the new 2026/2027 school year, the garment business has begun processing orders for uniforms and their attributes. In a single day, the workshop can produce up to 75 to 100 pieces of uniform, with production costs ranging from Rp125,000 to Rp150,000 per piece. Meanwhile, the production cost for school attributes ranges from Rp17,500 to Rp23,000 per item. Sheets of fabric are cut and prepared to be made into school uniforms. From this modest production room, the clothes that will accompany thousands of students in their studies begin to take shape. In addition to school shirts, various attributes such as hats, ties, and other accessories are also produced. Every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure it is ready for students entering the new school year. The busy work rhythm is part of the preparation to meet the needs of schools across various regions. Although production continues, the business owner admits that the number of school uniform orders this year has decreased compared to last year. This condition presents a distinct challenge for garment entrepreneurs who rely on the back-to-school season as their main sales period. For students, a new uniform symbolises the start of a learning journey. For the garment workers, every completed stitch represents a source of livelihood and a hope that their small business can survive amidst changing market conditions.