Minister Gus Ipul Stresses Readiness for 'Sekolah Rakyat' Orientation as Crucial Phase
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has urged all heads of ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (People’s Schools) to meticulously prepare for the upcoming School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for the 2026/2027 academic year, describing it as a crucial phase. He stressed that this initial stage is a critical transition period requiring comprehensive readiness.
Gus Ipul conveyed this message during a virtual meeting with all Sekolah Rakyat heads and representatives from social services across various regions on Friday, July 3. He instructed them to prepare every stage carefully to anticipate potential obstacles.
“I want the school heads to truly focus on planning, and then, of course, on the implementation and monitoring and evaluation. So, from planning to the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, it must be prepared thoroughly,” he said.
He explained that three main aspects must be confirmed as ready before MPLS begins: school infrastructure and facilities, student readiness, and the preparedness of teachers and education staff. To meet these requirements, school heads must actively coordinate with local governments. The availability of clean water, electricity, and other basic necessities must be ensured before students enter the orientation phase. Furthermore, student status must be finalised through a plenary decision by the regional head, and all teaching staff must participate in the MPLS process.
Gus Ipul noted that for permanent Sekolah Rakyat facilities starting without a pilot programme, temporary teachers and education staff will be provided by the local government and nearby schools while awaiting the results of recruitment scheduled for early August 2026.
The MPLS is scheduled to run from 14 to 31 July 2026, followed by a matriculation programme from 3 August to 30 September 2026. Gus Ipul described this entire period as a crucial phase where all parties must adapt. “So the sequence is MPLS, matriculation, and finally, teaching and learning activities. The goal is to prepare students physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, and academically, as well as to bridge competency gaps with the Sekolah Rakyat curriculum. This is a crucial time. We must adapt to each other,” he explained.
He emphasised that MPLS is vital as a foundation for equality, allowing students to start from the same point regardless of their diverse backgrounds, rather than being a mere formality. During the meeting, school heads and social service representatives actively voiced their current conditions and potential challenges ahead of MPLS. Gus Ipul listened to all the feedback and pledged to discuss the issues with the Ministry of Social Affairs team to mitigate risks before the programme begins.
In his closing remarks, Gus Ipul urged all participants to elevate their mindset, stating they are managing a significant national asset and a noble programme, not just routine tasks. “We must be responsible and strengthen our commitment. We must match the buildings constructed with public funds and the facilities within them with hard work, professional work, and sincere effort that represents the hopes of the President and the people,” he asserted. He stressed that the opening of MPLS on 14 July is a vital moment for tens of thousands of children to start a better future, requiring continuous coordination to address any emerging obstacles swiftly.
“Work, move, and make an impact. Sekolah Rakyat is the tangible face of the state’s presence for the people,” Gus Ipul concluded. The virtual meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono, Head of the Center for Social Welfare Data and Information Joko Widiarto, Director of Social Security Faisal, and Head of the Center for Education, Training, and Professional Development Afrizon Tanjung.