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, located in the Small Industry Centre (PIK), Jakarta. Ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year, the convection business has begun processing orders for uniforms and various school attributes.

In a single day, the workshop is capable of producing between 75 to 100 pieces of uniforms, with production costs ranging from Rp125,000 to Rp150,000 per item. Additionally, the production costs for school attributes, such as hats and ties, range between Rp17,500 and Rp23,000 per piece.

Fabric sheets are cut and prepared into school uniforms within this simple production facility, which serves as the starting point for clothing that will accompany thousands of students in their daily studies. Alongside shirts, various attributes including hats and ties are also produced, with every detail meticulously crafted to ensure readiness for the new school term.

While the intense work rhythm is part of the preparation to meet school needs across various regions, the business owner noted that the volume of school uniform orders this year has experienced a decline compared to last year. This downturn presents a particular challenge for convection entrepreneurs who rely on the back-to-school season as their primary sales period.

For students, new uniforms symbolise the start of a new learning journey. For convection workers, every completed stitch represents both a livelihood and the hope that their small businesses can remain resilient amidst changing market conditions.