Education Ministry Bans Alumni Involvement in 'Friendly MPLS' School Orientation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has prohibited schools from involving alumni as organisers in the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah) activities for 2026. Secretary General of Kemendikdasmen, Suharti, stated that the ban is stipulated in Article 21 of Ministerial Regulation Number 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period. “This ministerial regulation also strictly prohibits initiation rituals, there must be absolutely no initiation rituals, as well as all forms of violence, illegal levies, the use of attributes with no educational value, activities irrelevant to educational objectives, and the involvement of alumni as organisers,” Suharti said during a webinar entitled Socialisation and Discussion of the 2026 Friendly MPLS in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon. She stated that the regulation represents the ministry’s commitment to ensuring every student experiences a comfortable, safe, and meaningful first day of school. According to Suharti, the ministerial decree serves as a guide for educational units to ensure that activities are educational, oriented towards character building, and aligned with the principles of child protection and a safe and comfortable school culture. “This affirms that every student has the right to a positive first experience at school as a foundation for optimal growth, learning, and development,” she said. Suharti also reminded that the series of MPLS activities is not merely an orientation event, but part of the educational process that must provide a conscious, meaningful, and joyful learning experience while respecting the rights of every child and honouring all members of the school community.