Bandung Deputy Mayor Erwin: MPLS is the Starting Point for Building Character and an Innovative Generation

The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) is not just an annual routine or orientation activity for new students. More than that, MPLS is a crucial starting point for building character and preparing the younger generation to face increasingly complex future challenges. This was affirmed by the Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Erwin, during the closing of the MPLS for new Year 10 students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year at SMAN 28 Bandung on Tuesday (21/7). In his address, Erwin invited all new students to utilise their school years as a comprehensive process of self-development. He stressed that school is a crucible for future leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and medical professionals who will benefit the wider community. Erwin reminded the students that future challenges will be vastly different from previous eras. Therefore, the ability to adapt to technology is an absolute requirement for today’s learners. “The youth of today are the future leaders. If you want to become leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, or doctors, you must become a generation suited to your era. An innovative generation, a generation ready to face technological developments, including artificial intelligence or AI,” Erwin asserted. He added that MPLS is merely the opening gate. The real journey begins when the teaching and learning process takes place. All students were asked to undergo the educational process with full dedication to achieve their aspirations and make their parents proud. To achieve success, Erwin shared the concept of ‘Five Awarenesses’ that every student must possess. The first and foremost awareness is religious consciousness (al wa’yu addini). According to him, spiritual education must be a shared concern between the school and the family. He requested teachers to continue accustoming students to performing worship as an integral part of character building. “If the religious foundation is strong, God willing, other aspects of life will also be strong. Furthermore, I stress the importance of awareness to continuously seek knowledge, build positive relationships, and be active in organisations,” he explained. Erwin also delivered a special message for students not to focus solely on academic grades. Social interaction and the ability to cooperate are considered just as important as mastering classroom material. “Don’t just be a bookworm. Socialise at school and in the community. From there, you learn communication, cooperation, and respecting others,” he advised. He encouraged students to be active in the Intra-School Student Organisation (OSIS) and youth organisations in their neighbourhoods. According to Erwin, an ideal leader must possess three main qualities that grow in balance. The Bandung City Government expressed high appreciation to the entire SMAN 28 Bandung community for conducting an orderly, educational MPLS free from hazing practices. Erwin hopes this momentum will be the first step towards the birth of a Bandung generation that is of good character and innovative. Meanwhile, the Head of SMAN 28 Bandung, Ai Sumiati, reported that the implementation of the 2026/2027 Academic Year MPLS ran smoothly without significant obstacles. Student discipline and active participation were positive highlights throughout the activity. “Of the total 252 new students who participated in the MPLS, all were declared to have passed with good attendance, active participation, and discipline,” concluded Ai Sumiati.