Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono has warned schools not to force students or parents to buy uniforms and supplies. This rule applies to items already provided through government assistance. Residents may report suspected violations for investigation. Voluntary cross-subsidies remain permissible only when families agree. The arrangement must create no financial burden or obligation.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono has warned schools against forcing students or their parents to purchase uniforms and other supplies. He says education-related requirements must not create unnecessary financial pressure.

Edi delivered the warning on Wednesday, July 15. The warning came shortly after Pontianak schools began the 2026–2027 academic year on July 13.

He said the Pontianak city administration had instructed its Pontianak Education and Culture Office (DIsdikbud Pontianak) and local schools to prevent compulsory purchases. Such purchases could burden families.

“I always remind the Disdikbud and schools not to force students to buy or provide school supplies,” Edi said, as reported by IDN Times.

The mayor added that schools must not require families to buy uniforms, books, shoes or other items. The government has already supplied these through assistance programs.

“As long as the government provides them, the government will prepare them. Students must not be forced,” he said.

Schools may establish uniform rules. However, they cannot force parents to purchase new uniforms through the school or impose unnecessary costs during admission or promotion to a higher grade.

Indonesia’s Education Ministry Regulation No. 50 of 2022 governs uniforms for primary and secondary students. Article 13 prohibits schools from requiring or burdening parents and guardians to buy new uniforms whenever students enroll or advance to another grade.

The regulation aims to promote equality among students regardless of their families’ economic circumstances. It also allows central and local governments to assist students who cannot afford school clothing.

The policy therefore does not abolish uniforms. It targets compulsory or duplicative purchases that place avoidable costs on families.

Edi invited students and parents to report schools suspected of imposing mandatory uniform or supply purchases.

“If there are cases like these, please report them. We will carry out supervision,” he said.

The Pontianak city administration said it would investigate complaints and monitor whether schools follow the instruction. Edi also cited municipal assistance for low-income families, including scholarships, uniforms, books, shoes and other learning supplies.

Schools may facilitate cross-subsidy arrangements only when parents agree voluntarily and no family faces pressure to contribute.

“Cross-subsidies are allowed when there is agreement and the participants can afford them, provided they do not create a burden. If they become burdensome or coercive, they are not mandatory,” Edi said.

This distinction reflects Education Ministry Regulation No. 75 of 2016, which defines school contributions as voluntary and non-binding.

The Indonesian Ombudsman similarly distinguishes voluntary donations from compulsory levies whose amount or payment deadline a school determines.