Ministry Opens 2026 MPLS, Demands Schools Free from Hazing and Seniority

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has officially launched the 2026 Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah), marking the beginning of the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Through the Friendly MPLS, the ministry is ensuring that every student begins their learning journey in a school environment that is safe, comfortable, inclusive, and free from practices of hazing and seniority. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that MPLS is an important stage that marks the start of a student’s learning journey at every level of education. ‘We invite all our children to make this MPLS momentum the first step towards a bright future and achieving noble aspirations in your lives,’ said Mu’ti in an official statement on Monday (13/7). He emphasised that the ministry remains committed to building a safe and comfortable school culture, while making the school a second home for all members of the school community. Every Indonesian child, regardless of economic background, intellectual ability, or physical condition, has the right to receive quality education services. The Minister reiterated that the implementation of MPLS must not be marred by practices of hazing or seniority. Instead, the Friendly MPLS should be a momentum to build a culture of mutual respect, appreciation, and care within the school environment. ‘The Friendly MPLS is also a momentum to discover, explore, and develop the talents of Indonesian children. Essentially, every Indonesian child is a great child with their own potential and talents,’ he said. On this occasion, the Minister also expressed his appreciation to teachers who continue to guide students with sincerity, and to parents who have entrusted their children’s education to the schools. ‘To all the children, welcome to the new level of education. Make this MPLS the start of a new spirit to achieve the dreams you aspire to,’ he advised. Director General of Secondary Education and Special Education, Tatang Muttaqin, added that MPLS must be a space that strengthens the adaptation process for new students through friendly guidance from teachers and supportive senior students. To support the implementation of the Friendly MPLS, the ministry has published the 2026 Friendly MPLS Reference Book, which contains various examples of activities that can be adapted to the needs of schools. These activities include greeting new students, a flag ceremony, a cheerful morning session, an introduction to the Eight Dimensions of the Graduate Profile, and the ASRI (Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful) Indonesia Movement. In addition, the MPLS is filled with various reinforcement materials covering the prevention of drug abuse, the dangers of gambling, as well as a culture of discipline, responsibility, and enjoyable learning. ‘Let us together oversee the implementation of the 2026 Friendly MPLS with full responsibility, openness, and love for the students. I invite parents, schools, and all MPLS committees to make the first day of school a day full of smiles,’ said Director General Tatang. The spirit of MPLS was visible at SMK Negeri 2 Singosari. One of the Friendly MPLS committee members, Putri Kayla Azzahra, a grade XI student in the Animation Skills Programme, said that she and her student council colleagues had prepared various activities to welcome around 600 new students. Kayla explained that since the pre-MPLS period, the new students had been taken on a tour to get to know the school environment. During the MPLS, they will participate in various materials, such as an introduction to school culture, the dangers of narcotics, and the ASRI culture. The activities will conclude with an arts performance and competitions as a space to strengthen togetherness. ‘To our juniors, keep your spirits up and don’t be afraid to try, because we are here together to create new innovations and achieve accomplishments,’ said Kayla.