Minister Mu'ti Stresses 'Friendly MPLS 2026' Implementation in Bangka Belitung

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has emphasised that schools in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province must implement a friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) in 2026 to strengthen character education for students in the region. “I stress that this year’s MPLS must be friendly and humane,” Abdul Mu’ti said during the launch of the Revitalisation Programme at SMPN 9 Pangkalpinang on Thursday. He stressed that the 2026 MPLS Programme must adhere to the principle of a friendly MPLS, which emphasises the importance of MPLS as a humane study orientation process, free from all forms of violence within the school environment. “This year’s MPLS serves as a platform for talent and interest scouting and guidance for new students this year,” he said. He stated that, in line with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s policy from the previous year, the MPLS activities will only be held for five days, and this year it will also be implemented for five days. “During the MPLS implementation days, they must be filled with various talent and interest guidance activities as well as counselling related to strengthening character education,” he said. He added that in order to strengthen character education, the ministry has issued various policies, including the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children and Pagi Ceria. “The Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children include waking up early, praying, exercising, eating healthy and nutritious food, enjoying learning, socialising, and sleeping early. Meanwhile, Pagi Ceria is a school activity such as gymnastics or singing the national anthem, to strengthen the character of the nation’s children,” he said.