Making School a Safe and Happy Second Home

The implementation of the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for the new academic year presents a renewed hope for Indonesian education. The fundamental paradigm has shifted, viewing MPLS not merely as an introduction to the school’s physical environment, but as a crucial process for building a school culture that is safe, comfortable, inclusive, and honors every student. As stated by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, the ‘Ramah’ (Friendly) MPLS is an effort to welcome the nation’s future with affection, not fear.

This new approach is highly relevant to current challenges. Cases of bullying, violence, intolerance, and mental health issues among students cannot be resolved through formal discipline alone. The latest regulation, Ministerial Regulation Number 12 of 2026, introduces a structured five-day program that actively involves parents, introduces a safe school culture, builds character through the ‘Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children’ movement, and strengthens digital literacy and social media ethics from day one. The regulation also strictly prohibits hazing, violence, unauthorized levies, and the use of non-educational attributes.

A key feature of this reform is the strengthening of the educational ecosystem. Schools are now required to socialize the objectives, schedule, and complaint mechanisms to parents, recognizing that education is a shared responsibility. The launch of the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children (Gernas RANA) further emphasizes that cross-sector collaboration is essential to protect children from violence and discrimination. While principals and teachers are the front line, parents must be active partners, and local governments must ensure accessible supervision and reporting systems.

In the age of social media, threats to a child’s safety are not only physical but also virtual. Consequently, education on digital literacy and cyberbullying prevention must be an integral part of the school culture from the very first day. The success of the 2026 Friendly MPLS will not be measured by the festivity of welcoming events, but by whether every new student feels accepted, valued, and comfortable. When a child returns home on the first day feeling happy, confident, and optimistic, the true goal of MPLS has been achieved. School is a second home where character is forged and dreams are nurtured, and it must be a space that uplifts children, not one that frightens them.