Education Ministry Issues 2026 Friendly School Orientation Guidelines

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has issued a Ministerial Decree containing guidelines for implementing the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) to ensure the activities are free from hazing. Secretary General of Kemendikdasmen Suharti stated that Ministerial Decree Number 198 of 2026 on the Description of Friendly MPLS Materials contains descriptions of materials and references for implementing MPLS at every education level. “The Ministerial Decree contains descriptions of materials and references for implementing MPLS as a guide for educational units,” Suharti said during a webinar titled Socialisation and Discussion of the 2026 Friendly MPLS in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon. As a guide, she said the ministerial decree seeks to ensure that the 2026 Friendly MPLS activities are educational, oriented towards character strengthening, and aligned with the principles of child protection and a safe and comfortable school culture. “This confirms that every student has the right to a positive first experience at school as a foundation to grow, learn, and develop optimally,” she said. Suharti also reminded that the MPLS activities are not merely an orientation event, but part of the educational process that must provide a conscious, meaningful, and joyful learning experience by respecting the rights of every child and creating a safe and comfortable school environment. Therefore, her party strictly prohibits the practice of hazing, violence, or any form of levies against new students. Kemendikdasmen also strictly prohibits the use of attributes that have no educational value, activities irrelevant to educational goals, and the involvement of alumni as organisers. The affirmation of these prohibitions, she continued, is stipulated in Article 21 of Minister of Education Regulation Number 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period. She said the presence of these two regulations is a form of Kemendikdasmen’s commitment to ensuring every student has a comfortable, safe, and meaningful first day of school experience.