East Java Education Office Ensures 2026 MPLS Free from Bullying
The East Java Education Office (Dindik Jatim) has ensured that the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for the 2026/2027 academic year will take place free of bullying, hazing and violence across all SMA, SMK and SLB schools.
Head of the East Java Education Office Aries Agung Paewai affirmed that this year’s MPLS implementation refers to Regulation of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Permendikdasmen) Number 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period.
“Dindik Jatim’s policy on the implementation of MPLS is guided by the regulations set by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in order to create a learning environment that is friendly, inclusive, and free from hazing and violence,” Aries said in Surabaya on Friday.
The MPLS for the 2026/2027 academic year will be held simultaneously on Monday (13 July) and will involve 618,479 new pupils at the SMA, SMK and SLB levels, both state and private, across East Java.
The provincial-level MPLS opening will be centred at State Vocational High School (SMKN) 2 Singosari in Malang Regency.
The event will be combined with a Declaration against Cigarettes and E-cigarettes in the School Environment as well as the School Integrity Echo, whilst other schools will follow the opening ceremony online.
Aries explained that Permendikdasmen Number 12 of 2026 stipulates that the MPLS be held for a maximum of five days during the first week of the new academic year.
The materials provided include the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children, Cheerful Morning, social media ethics, and the 5S culture, namely Smile, Greeting, Addressing, Politeness, and Courtesy.
In addition, schools are strictly prohibited from practising hazing, charging fees to pupils, or requiring the use of attributes with no educational value.
Aries added that all MPLS activities must be educational, enjoyable and environmentally friendly, with a focus on introducing school culture, the learning system, code of conduct, and school facilities.
“The planning and organisation of activities are entirely the responsibility of teachers. Senior pupils or the student council only act as companions,” he stressed.
To prevent bullying during the MPLS, Dindik Jatim has asked all schools to strengthen teacher supervision at every activity, provide a safe complaint channel for pupils, and impose firm sanctions for every violation.
The Intra-School Student Organisation (OSIS) has also been asked to replace all forms of hazing with educational activities, incorporate anti-bullying materials, build collaborative activities, and set an example in their conduct towards new pupils.
Meanwhile, Aries acknowledged that the results of the New Pupil Admission Selection (SPMB) still leave a number of schools short of pupils, particularly in several regencies such as Madura, Ponorogo, Situbondo, Bondowoso, Lamongan, Madiun, Magetan and Lumajang.
As a solution, Dindik Jatim will channel prospective pupils who have not yet been placed to state schools that still have capacity in the local area, private educational institutions, or schools managed by other ministries.