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

The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for Sekolah Rakyat for the 2026/2027 academic year will commence on 14 July 2026, implemented in four waves. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, stated in Jakarta on Monday that the staggered start is not a sign of uncertainty but a form of responsibility. ‘We do not want children to arrive at a place where the facilities are not truly ready. Every point must be safe and comfortable before we welcome them,’ he said. This approach was chosen to ensure all educational and dormitory facilities are fully prepared before new students arrive. According to the Minister, the phased MPLS implementation is based on three main considerations: the functional readiness of infrastructure, student safety and comfort, and the availability of basic utilities such as clean water, electricity, and sanitation. ‘Schools whose facilities are not yet fully ready will not be forced to accept students for safety reasons. Classrooms, dormitories, and supporting facilities must be confirmed as habitable before students arrive,’ he explained. Gus Ipul detailed that all waves will use the same MPLS framework, consisting of 19 days of child-friendly activities as part of a roughly three-month preparation programme before regular learning and full dormitory life begin. ‘MPLS is part of a preparation programme that lasts approximately three months. After MPLS, it continues with matriculation, then students enter the regular learning programme and dormitory life,’ he said. The preparation programme comprises 19 days of MPLS and about 2.5 months of matriculation. During this stage, students are introduced to their own potential, fellow students, the curriculum, and the school and dormitory environment. Throughout MPLS, all students will also undergo free health checks, psychological assessments and self-potential mapping, as well as guidance for adapting to dormitory life. In the first five days, students will be accompanied by TNI-Polri cadets to help instil discipline and independence in daily activities. Gus Ipul stressed that the entire MPLS programme is conducted with child-friendly principles and zero tolerance for any form of violence. ‘There is no sexual violence, physical violence, bullying, or intolerance. If violence occurs, the perpetrator will be dismissed immediately. There will be no first or second warning letter,’ he said.