Social Affairs Ministry: Sekolah Rakyat MPLS to be held in four waves

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for Sekolah Rakyat in the 2026/2027 academic year will begin on 14 July 2026, rolled out in stages across four waves.

“A phased MPLS is not a sign of uncertainty, but a form of responsibility. We do not want children arriving at facilities that are not truly ready. Every point must be safe and comfortable before we welcome them,” said Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, in Jakarta on Monday.

This approach was chosen to ensure that all educational facilities and dormitories are fully ready before new students arrive.

According to him, the phased implementation of MPLS is based on three main considerations: the functional readiness of infrastructure, the safety and comfort of students, and the availability of basic utilities such as clean water, electricity and sanitation.

“Schools whose facilities are not fully ready will not be forced to accept students, for safety reasons. Classrooms, dormitories and supporting facilities must be confirmed fit for habitation before students arrive,” he said.

Gus Ipul explained that all waves use the same MPLS framework, namely 19 days of implementation in four child-friendly phases, as part of a preparation programme lasting approximately three months before students enter regular learning and full boarding life.

“MPLS is part of a preparation programme running for roughly three months. After MPLS, students continue with matriculation, then enter the regular learning programme and the boarding programme,” he said.

The preparation programme comprises 19 days of MPLS and around 2.5 months of matriculation.

At this stage, students are introduced to their own potential, the school community, the curriculum, and the school environment and boarding life.

Throughout MPLS, all students will also undergo free health checks, psychological assessments and self-potential mapping, as well as guidance on adapting to boarding life.

During the first five days, students will be accompanied by TNI-Polri cadets to help build discipline and independence in daily activities.

Gus Ipul stressed that the entire MPLS series is carried out on child-friendly principles and with zero tolerance for any form of violence.

“There will be no sexual violence, physical violence, bullying or intolerance. If violence occurs, the perpetrator is dismissed immediately. There will be no first or second warning letters,” he said.