Pekanbaru Administration Guarantees Free Uniforms for Underprivileged Student

RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru - The Pekanbaru City Administration in Riau Province is solidifying its commitment to inclusive education by preparing a free school uniform program for underprivileged students for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic year. This initiative is designed to complement existing tuition-free policies, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from attending school with dignity and confidence.

Pekanbaru Mayor, Agung Nugroho, emphasized that school fees are only one part of the educational burden, and that providing uniforms is a crucial next step for the administration.

He noted that having the proper school attire is vital for a student's self-esteem and overall enthusiasm for learning. "We must ensure that while education is free, the uniforms are also available. This is what we are currently preparing," Agung said in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

The program is strategically targeted rather than universal, focusing specifically on students from families with low economic status. Eligibility is tied to the Affirmation Path of the New Student Admissions (PPDB) process, which is reserved for families facing financial hardships.

Agung confirmed that the administration has already earmarked a specific budget for this procurement, coinciding with the opening of admissions for Junior High Schools (SMP). "SMP admissions will open soon, and the budget for uniform procurement has been prepared, specifically for underprivileged communities," he said.

A key objective of the policy is to eliminate the practice of parents paying for school gear through installments, a burden that frequently weighs down low-income households.

"There should no longer be parents who have to pay for uniforms in installments due to economic limitations," Agung asserted.

By removing these hidden costs, the Pekanbaru City Administration aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to thrive in an inclusive educational environment, regardless of their family's financial background. ***