Scramble for front seats: A unique first-day-of-school tradition in Indramayu

At SDN 4 Kedokan Agung in Indramayu, Indonesia, the first day of the new school year is marked by a unique and long-standing tradition: parents scrambling to secure front-row seats for their children. As early as before dawn, parents and their children arrive at the school gates, waiting for them to open. Once inside, a swift rush ensues towards the classrooms, with the primary goal being to claim the coveted spots at the front of the room.

This tradition of "grabbing front-row seats" has become a recurring scene at the school every year. Parents have devised various creative methods to reserve these prime locations. Some tie their children's school bags to the desks using raffia string, while others attach name tags to the furniture. The common objective behind these efforts is to ensure their child has a seat in the very first row.

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The front seats are not just about position. They believe that the front seats make children concentrate better, understand lessons faster, and interact more freely with the teacher.

For these parents, the front row is not merely about a preferred location; it's rooted in a belief that sitting at the front enhances a child's concentration, facilitates quicker understanding of lessons, and allows for more direct interaction with the teacher. This practice has been passed down through generations, becoming an ingrained part of the school's culture.

The school administration acknowledges and accommodates this tradition, provided it is done without damaging school property. Head of SDN 4 Kedokan Agung, Usmad, stated that parents' belief in the benefits of front-row seating for focus and teacher communication is the driving force behind the annual rush. The school permits simple markers like tied bags or name tags, while also reminding parents to maintain order and avoid disputes. This tradition underscores the significant attention parents in the community place on their children's education, viewing these small actions on the first day as a positive start to the academic year.

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Parents believe that sitting in front helps children focus on lessons and communicate more easily with the teacher.