Ministry Opens 'Friendly MPLS 2026', Demands Schools Free from Hazing and Seniority
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has officially launched the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS Ramah) 2026, marking the start 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 hazing and seniority practices.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that MPLS is a crucial stage that marks the beginning of a student’s learning journey at every level of education. “We invite all children to make this MPLS momentum the first step towards a brilliant future and achieving noble aspirations in your lives,” said Minister Mu’ti while serving as the ceremony inspector at SMK Negeri 2 Singosari, Malang Regency, East Java, on Monday (13/7/2026).
He affirmed that the ministry remains committed to building a safe and comfortable school culture, making the school a second home for all its members. 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 hazing or seniority. Instead, the Friendly MPLS is 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 the occasion, Minister Mu’ti also expressed appreciation to teachers who continue to guide students with sincerity, and to parents who have entrusted their children’s education to the schools.
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 welcoming 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, an introduction to the Eight Dimensions of the Graduate Profile, and the ASRI (Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful) Indonesia Movement. Additionally, 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 students. I invite parents, schools, and all MPLS committees to make the first day of school a day full of smiles,” said 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, new students had been taken on tours 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 art performance and competitions as a space to strengthen togetherness.