SRT Soppeng postpones MPLS due to incomplete facilities

Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi, has postponed the implementation of the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for new students of the 2026-2027 academic year because a number of facilities and infrastructure are not yet ready.

Previously, the SRT Soppeng MPLS was scheduled to be held today, 20 August 2026, but because the student dormitory facilities were not ready, the school decided to postpone the MPLS by one week to 26 August 2026.

Head of SRT Soppeng Arni Erjilla said that her team had coordinated with the Soppeng Regent, who advised against forcing school operations, especially since the safety, comfort and security of the children are the top priority.

She said there are three priority buildings: classrooms, a male dormitory and a female dormitory. Work on two buildings has been declared complete, but one is still in the process of being finished.

Meanwhile, vital needs such as electricity and water in one dormitory have not yet been completed and are being improved and finalised. In addition, a number of dormitory furnishings, such as beds, chairs and study desks, have not yet been assembled, which will certainly require time to complete.

“The classrooms are finished, but in the dormitory, the desks and wardrobes have not been assembled in all rooms; it is still in progress,” Arni added.

Nevertheless, 84 students from the previous academic year have been learning since 22 July through a pioneer school that still uses the old school building, specifically the Ajjappange Regional General Hospital building in Soppeng.

In the new academic year, SRT Soppeng has admitted 270 students, with 76 at primary level, 130 at lower secondary level and 64 at upper secondary level.

To optimise learning and character building for SRT students through the boarding system, 76 people consisting of teachers and education staff will oversee the implementation of SRT Soppeng. In addition, there are 26 guest teachers, 17 of whom are upper secondary school teachers seconded by the South Sulawesi Provincial Education Office.