Minister Says Grandeur Not a Measure of Success for 'Friendly' School Orientation

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has reminded schools that a large number of grand activities is not a measure of success for the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah). According to him, the success of MPLS must be seen from how each new student feels accepted, safe, and comfortable entering a new learning environment. “To the respected heads of educational units, the success of MPLS Ramah is not measured by the number and grandeur of the activities carried out, but by how every child feels accepted, feels safe, and feels comfortable being at school,” said Minister Mu’ti during a webinar titled “Socialisation and Discussion of MPLS Ramah 2026” in Central Jakarta on Monday. He also asserted that MPLS Ramah is not merely a change of terminology, but also a change in perspective in welcoming new students. Therefore, the Minister also reminded educational units to provide a conscious, meaningful, and joyful learning experience through the series of MPLS activities. “I emphasise that the implementation of MPLS Ramah must be free from hazing, violence, illegal levies, and all forms of activities that have no educational value and instead burden the students,” Mu’ti stressed. To ensure this, his party has also issued a Ministerial Decree containing guidelines for implementing the MPLS Ramah activity series to ensure the activities are free from hazing. He said that Ministerial Decree Number 198 of 2026 concerning the Description of MPLS Ramah Materials contains material descriptions and references for implementing MPLS at every level of education.