Why do students, still wearing the symbols of learning, engage in deadly combat with sharp weapons? Sociologists point to anomie —a breakdown of social norms. The uniform, which should signify discipline, instead signifies anonymity and group identity. During a brawl, the uniform becomes a jersey: SMK 7 versus SMA 5. The white shirt turns crimson, and the blue skirt is torn.
One cannot discuss pelajar masih berseragam without addressing the economic engine of Indonesia’s kelas menengah bawah (lower middle class). Why are students still in uniform at 7 PM? Because they are working.
For many families, especially in lower-middle to lower economic strata, the school uniform is not just for school—it is the a child owns.
Officially, uniforms are to be worn only during school hours and for extracurricular activities. However, the rule is loosely enforced, leading to the widespread visibility of uniformed students in public spaces from afternoon until late evening.