Behind the Uniform, There Is Inequality

Every day, schoolchildren wear uniforms as a sign of their identity. Behind the uniformity, however, lie many stories of dreams, injustice, and struggles that are not always fair. Indeed, in a single classroom, one student may do homework with the help of the internet at home, while another copies answers from a friend because they have had no data credit for a week.

The technical term "Merdeka Belajar" (Freedom to Learn) has been celebrated across the country, the curriculum has changed, and technology has been brought into learning. But who truly has freedom? Our education system still suffers from a systemic anomaly that cannot be denied. Although uniforms make students look identical, their futures are determined by many things, including financial circumstances, access to educational facilities, and even teachers' attention. No two schools start in the same way, yet the education system in our country seems to treat everyone the same from the start.

Students in some large schools can enjoy many school facilities, a wide choice of extracurricular activities, and tutoring outside the classroom. Compare that, however, with students living in the 3T regions (Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost), who have limited educational facilities, must walk long distances to go to school, and have teachers who keep changing because of teacher shortages.

Equality is not only about providing identical clothing, but about building a system that allows people to understand and acknowledge differences. Justice in education does not mean everyone is given the same treatment, but that everyone is given a fair opportunity to develop.Even sadder, inequality sometimes occurs not only between regions, but also between students within one school. Many students carry burdens at home and financial pressure. Some must help their parents sell goods after school, or even look after younger siblings because their parents work all day. Other children, in private study rooms, can nevertheless study calmly and without pressure.

The free curriculum, which in theory prioritises flexibility and variety in learning, is actually a great advance. However, there are several significant obstacles to implementing it in the field. According to a 2024 Kemdikbud report, most teachers find it difficult to understand and apply differentiated learning approaches, especially in classes of more than 35 students. If their own time, energy, and attention are limited, how can an educator understand the unique needs of their students?

Not to mention the problem of uneven teacher training. Teachers in remote areas often do not receive adequate Merdeka Curriculum training. Even access to the internet and devices, such as data credit and signal, is still an obstacle. From here we can clearly see the inequality. Many teachers still use chalk to write materials on the blackboard in a world that is supposedly already digital. This is not because they do not want to change; it is the result of their inability to move forward.

Andi Agustang (2021) states that a number of factors contribute to the low quality of education in Indonesia. These include poor teacher quality, poor teacher welfare, a lack of opportunities for equitable education, education that does not meet needs, and high education costs. This shows that a lack of funds and facilities is not the only cause of educational inequality in Indonesia. Not a few educational institutions have buildings that are unfit and potentially endanger the members of the public who use them. Sometimes, even government funds are not enough to meet educational needs in the area. Therefore, the government and the authorities must step in to allocate those funds to achieve educational equity.

Educational equality requires reconsideration by the government and society. BOS (School Operational Assistance) funds should be more focused on reducing differences in resources and infrastructure between regions. Government education assistance such as KIP and PIP should be expanded not only for university students but also for students in elementary and junior high schools. In addition, disadvantaged groups of society must receive government education assistance such as KIP and PIP. Most local village officials register the names of children who are actually well-off and manipulate the process so they receive free education, so that disadvantaged residents do not receive the rights they should have.

The role of schools is very important in providing a safe environment for every student. Schools must be able to be places that strengthen, not add to the burden. The character education that is prioritised should include discipline and care. Teachers must be trained not only as educators but also as social observers. In addition, teacher welfare must be taken into account, especially for honorary teachers in various regions. Conversely, society also plays an important role. The government or schools cannot bear all the responsibility.

We as a society must start to be aware of the importance of education for the nation's next generation. Building a fairer learning ecosystem is where society can begin. Learning communities, volunteer teachers, and book donations are small examples that can have a big impact. In today's era of computers and the internet, sharing education through the internet is also an action that anyone can take. The government, especially parents, must provide job vacancies so that children can stay in school and take part in building Golden Indonesia 2045.

In the end, uniforms only disguise differences on the surface. The fact that not all students have the same opportunity to succeed cannot be avoided. Education should be a tool for advancing the nation, not something that makes children feel social inequality. If an unfair system causes a child to fail to reach their dreams, we all fail together as a nation. We can start by realising that equality is about humanising, not making everyone the same; about understanding every child with their conditions and challenges, and then creating an environment that gives them hope.