After SD Srengseng bomb hoax, Minister ensures school orientation runs safely

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has assured that the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) across Indonesia is running safely and remains enjoyable following a bomb hoax at SD Srengseng Sawah 15 in South Jakarta. “The police investigation concluded that the threat was merely a prank, not proven to be a real threat, and the perpetrator has been identified, with the motive still being investigated. I visited the school directly this morning and met with students, the head of the education office, and teachers,” Mu’ti said in Jakarta on Tuesday. He explained that monitoring results show MPLS activities are proceeding normally, students remain cheerful, and no fear is visible among students, parents, or teachers. “The government directs MPLS to be a pleasant start for new students. The approach applied is humanist and inclusive. MPLS is also used as a means of exploring students’ talents and interests, building learning motivation, and increasing self-confidence,” he said. According to him, MPLS is a momentum to strengthen a school culture that is safe, comfortable, and free from bullying. In addition, schools are also encouraged to promote clean and healthy living habits. “The government cooperates with various parties to provide education on the dangers of drug abuse, the dangers and negative impacts of online gambling, cyber bullying, and the negative impacts of digital technology misuse,” he explained. The educational purpose of MPLS, Mu’ti said, is for students to have high motivation as well as readiness to face a new level of education. Previously, the police revealed that the bomb hoax at SDN Srengseng Sawah 15 Pagi, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Monday originated from a private message via WhatsApp received by a teacher during the ceremony on the first day of MPLS. “We found that the information was indeed true, there was a WhatsApp message sent to the teacher and administrative staff,” said Jagakarsa Police Chief Kompol Nurma Dewi to reporters in Jakarta on Monday. The content of the WhatsApp message was the perpetrator threatening to detonate bombs at 11 points in the school and asking the school not to report to the police. “Good morning and best wishes, be prepared within minutes this SDN 15 Pagi school will explode and we have prepared 11 points,” the message read. The police have swept the area for the suspected bomb hoax at SDN Srengseng Sawah 15 Pagi, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on the first day of MPLS, Monday.