Minister Mu'ti Urges Schools to Use MPLS as a Platform to Discover New Students' Potential
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti is encouraging schools to use the 2026 Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah) as an opportunity to recognise the potential, talents and character of new students, rather than treating it as merely a ceremonial activity at the start of the academic year.
Abdul Mu’ti conveyed this while opening MPLS Ramah 2026 at SMK Negeri 2 Singosari, Malang Regency, East Java, on Monday (13 July). According to him, every Indonesian child possesses abilities that need to be developed from the moment they enter the school environment. For this reason, MPLS activities must be designed to help students adapt whilst also identifying their interests and talents.
“MPLS Ramah becomes a moment to discover, explore and develop the talents of Indonesian children. Essentially, every Indonesian child is a remarkable child,” said Abdul Mu’ti in a statement on Monday (13 July).
He added that schools must serve as safe, inclusive and comfortable learning spaces for all students, regardless of their background. A positive school environment is regarded as an important foundation for shaping character whilst improving the quality of learning.
As a guide, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has published the 2026 MPLS Ramah Reference Book, containing various activities, ranging from introductions to school culture, Pagi Ceria (Cheerful Morning), the Indonesia ASRI Movement, to materials on drug abuse prevention, the dangers of gambling, and the formation of discipline and responsibility.
According to Abdul Mu’ti, the school introduction period is also an initial gateway for students to prepare for their future whilst developing their potential.
The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) must not become a forum for hazing or seniority between senior and new students. Through MPLS, the ministry hopes school environments will be safe, comfortable and inclusive, and free from hazing and seniority practices. Mendikdasmen Abdul Mu’ti has affirmed that MPLS 2026 must be free of violence under Ministerial Regulation Number 12 of 2026 in order to create an inclusive school environment.
Separately, Regent Dadang invited parents to use the momentum of the first day of school to accompany their children and provide moral support. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan assured that all new students in Bandung have access to education, both in state and private schools. The Mayor of Sorong also motivated students never to stop learning, noting that reading is the key to achieving success.