Indonesian watchdog urges KPK to probe Langkat Regent over alleged school uniform graft

Indonesia's National Network for Education Monitoring (JPPI) has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to thoroughly investigate alleged corruption involving school uniform procurement, which has implicated the Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin. The case reportedly involves procurement projects within the Langkat Education and Public Housing agencies, allegedly conducted through direct procurement methods.

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Education budgets are still a fertile ground for corruption for regional elites. Why? Because the budgets are large, the procurement packages are many, supervision is weak, and the power relations of the regional head towards the department, school principals, and goods/service providers are very dominant.

JPPI coordinator Ubaid Matraji stated that the Langkat case demonstrates how education budgets remain a lucrative target for regional elites. He cited large budget allocations, numerous procurement packages, weak oversight, and the dominant power of regional heads over educational institutions and suppliers as contributing factors. "When education is managed like a political project, schools become rent-seeking machines," Matraji said.

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When education is managed like a political project, schools become rent-seeking machines.

Matraji also raised concerns about the alleged sale of school principal positions. He argued that appointing principals based on financial contributions rather than competence not only damages the education bureaucracy but also compromises the quality of learning and child protection. "Principals chosen through transactions will tend to seek returns on investment, not improve the school," he added.

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The most dangerous thing is the alleged sale of school principal positions. If principals are chosen based on contributions, not integrity and capacity, then not only the bureaucracy will be damaged, but also the quality of learning, child protection, and the future of students.

The JPPI has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to conduct a special audit of educational governance in Langkat, focusing on procurement, principal appointments, and projects within the Education Agency. They also demand the return of allegedly embezzled education funds for the benefit of students.

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Principals chosen through transactions will tend to seek returns on investment, not improve the school.