Bobby Nasution Opens 2026 MPLS Across North Sumatra, Urges Respect for Teachers and Parents

North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution opened the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for new state senior high school, vocational school, and special needs school students for the 2026/2027 academic year across North Sumatra at SMA Negeri 1 Binjai on Monday, 13 July 2026. He used the occasion to urge the 130,613 new students to uphold discipline, honesty, respect for teachers and parents, diligent study, and care for others.

"To all my children, please honour and respect your teachers. They are our parents while we are at school. Treat them like our own parents. Obedience to parents and teachers is the key to success," Bobby said. He also stressed that physical violence must no longer occur in the school environment. According to him, student guidance must prioritise an educational approach through verbal reprimands or sanctions. Furthermore, collaboration between teachers and parents needs to be continuously strengthened so that schools produce not only academically accomplished students but also those with character and ethics.

Addressing the teachers, Bobby urged them to treat every student with affection and avoid arbitrary actions. He said students need to be guided like one’s own children so they excel not only academically but also possess strong character and noble virtues, both within and outside the school environment. "This is what must be achieved in every school in North Sumatra," he stated.

Bobby noted that President Prabowo Subianto has made education a national priority programme. The government continues to improve educational facilities and build new schools, including in North Sumatra. He said education is the main spearhead in realising a better future for Indonesia. "You will be the ones to make Indonesia Emas 2045 a reality. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is committed to improving the quality of education by building, rehabilitating, and developing excellent schools," he said.

As part of this commitment, in 2026 the provincial government built 120 new classrooms, rehabilitated 189 classrooms, developed excellent schools and boarding schools, and implemented a free school programme for priority areas. All these efforts aim to ensure every child in North Sumatra has access to quality education.

Head of the North Sumatra Education Office Alexander Sinulingga reported that the MPLS opening was centred at SMA Negeri 1 Binjai and runs from 13 to 17 July 2026. The activity was attended by 749 state schools across the province, both offline and online, with a total of 130,613 new students. He said MPLS aims to help new students recognise their potential, understand the curriculum, adapt to the school environment, and build positive relationships with the entire school community. This activity also serves as the initial gateway to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable learning environment.