Education is a People's Right, Not a Commodity

As the new school year begins, many parents are struggling to provide basic necessities for their children, with some resorting to buying used uniforms. In Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, economic hardship makes it difficult for families to afford school supplies, prompting community solidarity to help ease the burden.

Access to quality education remains a significant challenge for many Indonesians. The start of the academic year exacerbates financial pressures, as parents hope their children can enroll in good, affordable schools. However, the zoning system limits choices, while rising education costs for uniforms, books, and other essentials add to the economic strain.

The article contends that the current capitalist system treats everything, including education, as a tradable commodity. This approach means economic status often dictates access to quality schooling, creating a wider social gap as well-funded schools typically charge high fees. Education's primary purpose has shifted from fostering knowledgeable, ethical citizens to becoming a means of profit.

Furthermore, the state's role has transformed from a caretaker of its people to a mere regulator, largely leaving education to market forces. Consequently, the financial burden of education is increasingly placed on the public through various fees, including for uniforms and books. Some schools even mandate purchasing supplies from specific vendors, and despite widespread complaints, enforcement against these practices is often lax or nonexistent.