Minister: 'Friendly' MPLS to Create Safe and Comfortable School Environments
Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti emphasised that the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for the 2026/2027 academic year aims to create a safe and comfortable environment in every school.
“This Friendly MPLS is a step towards making schools a safe and comfortable social, intellectual, spiritual and physical environment for all students,” said Abdul Mu’ti after opening the Friendly MPLS at SMK Negeri 2 Singosari, Malang Regency, East Java, on Monday.
Therefore, the Friendly MPLS is not merely a vehicle for introducing the school environment, but a fundamental instrument for shaping character and instilling human values to create a successor generation that is excellent, intelligent, and sensitive to the social environment.
The minister stressed that MPLS must be ensured free from all forms of verbal violence, corporal punishment, and hazing.
“We give them (new students) an understanding of building a friendly character, respecting one another, helping each other, and of course the spirit to achieve noble aspirations in their lives,” he said.
The implementation of the Friendly MPLS for the 2026/2027 academic year is also being maximised by the relevant ministry to promote the Indonesian movement for Safety, Health, Cleanliness and Beauty, known as ASRI.
The minister encouraged teachers to use this orientation period as an opportunity to map the talents and interests of new students.
To that end, the Friendly MPLS, he said, presents various agendas for exploring students’ abilities.
He also asked education offices in each region to build students’ awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and online gambling, as well as to instil values of discipline and integrity.
The Friendly MPLS for the 2026/2027 academic year is expected to strengthen inclusivity in education.
“MPLS is carried out with a joyful approach, an approach that brings the sense that everyone is involved, and that everything is safe and comfortable,” he said.