Friendly MPLS: Making Schools a Home to Long For
The enthusiasm for realising the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision is closely linked to human resource development, as stated in the fourth point of the Asta Cita. Education is the most appropriate instrument to realise this grand vision. Primary and secondary education, overseen by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), plays a crucial role in developing Indonesia’s superior human resources. The character of an adult citizen is largely determined during these formative years of basic and secondary education. Striving for the best for students, who will determine the direction of the nation’s development, is an absolute necessity that must be undertaken systematically and holistically by all stakeholders.
Kemendikdasmen has recently launched various policies to create an education system that is responsive, accountable, service-oriented, adaptive, and harmonious. These policies are not merely about carrying out internal bureaucratic routines but are also oriented towards creating a humanist and inclusive educational ecosystem. One important aspect of primary and secondary education is the Student Orientation Period (MPLS). MPLS is the first activity for new students organised by schools to foster and strengthen character and graduate profiles. During this period, students are invited to explore their own potential as well as external potential, such as the curriculum, the school, and the educational ecosystem.
For some students, and perhaps for parents as well, MPLS is a time filled with a mix of nervousness and hope. The first day of school is not just an administrative ceremony but a gateway to a new world that will shape how students think, behave, and recognise their potential for years to come. In this sense, school can be interpreted as a second home. Given this crucial role, MPLS is prepared as thoroughly as possible. In 2026, MPLS arrives with a new, warmer face and spirit: the Friendly MPLS. Previously, student orientation periods at various educational levels were often associated with sad stories of hazing, requirements to bring strange and undignified attributes, and even physical and verbal violence under the pretext of mental toughness training.
As a second home, schools are required to be safe, comfortable, and peaceful places, free from all forms of violence, bullying, intolerance, and oppression. The indicator of success is when students feel accepted, safe, enthusiastic, able to adapt, and ready to learn with the positive character present in the school. Rusprita Putri Utami, Head of the Character Strengthening Centre at Kemendikdasmen, stated that MPLS material must be delivered in a joyful, educational, and contextual manner. The material can cover the dangers of drugs, online gambling, online gaming addiction, social media restrictions, and the Tunas Regulation.
The theme of MPLS 2026, ‘Friendly MPLS’, is a statement and stance of the entire nation that this is how Indonesia treats its future generations at the starting gate of their academic journey. The regulations regarding this year’s MPLS implementation are contained in Permendikdasmen No. 16 of 2026, while the material details can be examined in the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture No. 198 of 2026.
In the context of realising a Friendly MPLS, school readiness is crucial. This MPLS will serve as a meeting point to build introductions and togetherness, as well as a melting point that unites new students with the school’s positive values, culture, and habits. The aspiration to achieve this requires that the school already possesses a positive character. The Friendly MPLS does not stand alone but is part of a larger ambition to create schools with an ‘ASRI’ culture: Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful. Although these four words sound simple, upon deeper reflection, ASRI is essentially a blueprint for a humanist learning environment.
MPLS, as a forum to prepare students intellectually, socially, and emotionally, requires a safe school, free from the threat of violence and intimidation. To optimise each student’s potential, schools must also be healthy, paying attention to the physical and psychological well-being of their community, including the socio-emotional conditions of students, which are now identified from the start of MPLS. Furthermore, a clean and beautiful school affirms that the physical environment helps shape students’ inner atmosphere. Learning in a clean and well-organised space tends to foster a spirit for positive expression and greater respect for the environment and others.
In other words, the Friendly MPLS is the entrance to an ASRI culture that is intended to be brought to life throughout the academic year, not just during the five-day orientation. The implementation of these five days of MPLS may well determine the success of education delivery for several years to come, even long after the students have graduated. Building a character foundation, recognising self-potential, and fostering a sense of belonging to the school requires a process that cannot be rushed, which is why this year’s implementation is five days, unlike the previous three-day format. This reaffirms that MPLS is designed not as a ceremonial activity that ends without reflection.