Education Ministry Issues 2026 Friendly School Orientation Guidelines

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has issued a Ministerial Decree containing guidelines for the implementation of the ‘Friendly’ School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) to ensure that these activities are free from hazing.

Secretary-General of Kemendikdasmen, Suharti, stated that Ministerial Decree No. 198 of 2026 regarding the Details of Friendly MPLS Materials includes material descriptions and implementation references for every educational level.

“The Ministerial Decree contains material descriptions and implementation references for MPLS to serve as a guide for educational units,” said Suharti during a webinar titled ‘Socialisation and Discussion of Friendly MPLS 2026’ in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon.

As a guide, she noted that the decree seeks to ensure that the 2026 Friendly MPLS activities are educational, oriented towards character building, and aligned with the principles of child protection and a safe and comfortable school culture.

“This reaffirms that every student has the right to a positive first experience at school as a foundation for growing, learning, and developing optimally,” she said.

Suharti also reiterated that the MPLS activities are not merely orientation sessions, but part of an educational process that must provide a mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning experience while respecting the rights of every child and honouring all school members.

Consequently, the Ministry strictly prohibits any practices of hazing, violence, or any form of extortion against new students.

Kemendikdasmen also strictly prohibits the use of attributes that lack educational value, activities that are irrelevant to educational objectives, and the involvement of alumni as organisers.

This reinforcement of prohibitions, she continued, is enshrined in Article 21 of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Regulation No. 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period.

She added that the presence of these two regulations serves as a form of the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring every student enjoys a comfortable, safe, and meaningful first day of school.