Yogyakarta Mayor Urges Schools Not to Force Students to Buy New Uniforms on First Day

The Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo, has urged all schools not to force students to wear new uniforms from the first day of school if their family’s economic situation does not allow it. He stated that school uniforms should not become a reason for students to feel inferior or lose their enthusiasm for learning. The stigma that students must immediately find or buy new uniforms when starting school needs to be eliminated. The most important thing is that every child can participate in learning activities without being burdened by costs.

‘I do not want uniforms in schools to be a burden and cause them to feel lowly, humble, or insecure just because of uniform issues,’ Hasto said after opening the School Environment Introduction Period for the 2026/2027 academic year at SMP Negeri 10 Yogyakarta on Monday. He hopes that schools, committees, and parents can build good communication to create solutions for families who cannot yet afford new uniforms. He suggested that schools should be understanding and give students more time if they are unable to wear the complete uniform immediately.

Hasto also asked schools to create a friendly environment so that students who do not yet have new uniforms do not become targets of bullying. He emphasised that children should not be mocked for not having a uniform or lacking money, and that schools must be adept at nurturing their students.

In line with the mayor’s directive, the Acting Head of the Yogyakarta City Education, Youth, and Sports Office, Agus Trimadi, said that his office circulates a letter every year instructing schools not to sell uniforms or educational equipment. He confirmed that all schools in Yogyakarta City have received the circular and have complied with it so far. He also stated that the public is free to purchase uniforms anywhere according to their means, as schools only regulate the colour and model according to the education level.