Stories from Parents on the First Day of MPLS in Mataram
Schools in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), began holding the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) today, Monday (13/7/2026). Parents shared stories of how they prepared their children for the first day of school.
One parent of a student at TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3 Mataram, Tia, admitted she had been preparing her child’s MPLS necessities since the night before. Uniforms, packed meals, bags, and stationery were all prepared together.
“Since last night, we have been preparing the packed meal and equipment for the first day of MPLS. From the packed meal to the stationery,” Tia told detikBali on Monday (13/7/2026).
Despite preparing the MPLS equipment the night before, Tia admitted that some items were still left behind. “I felt like everything was ready last night. But on the way, I realised the packed meal and water bottle were still at home. Oh dear, we had to go back,” she said. “The child is the one going to school, but we are the ones rushing around,” she added with a laugh.
Another parent, Sugiharto, admitted he was very moved when dropping off his first child at school. “This is the first experience, I was touched, because the child who is usually always at home and close to us is now starting to learn to be independent,” he said.
Despite being moved, Sugi said he was proud because his child was becoming independent and could make many friends. “He is starting school and has friends outside of his parents,” he continued.
90 Percent Attendance
The Mataram City Government (Pemkot) noted that the involvement of fathers on the first day of MPLS reached over 90 percent. Mataram Mayor Mohan Roliskana stated that the presence of parents on the first day of MPLS has a significant psychological impact on a child’s development.
“There are so many (fathers dropping off their children). Parents (must) be present in their children’s lives. These children’s feelings are developing, they need someone to protect and motivate them,” said Mohan on Monday.
According to Mohan, brief but quality communication between children and parents on the first day of school is crucial for building a child’s self-confidence. Mohan hopes that parental involvement will not stop after the first day of MPLS but will become a simple routine, at least dropping them off at the school gate.
“Whenever parents have the time, take the time to drop off their children. That will be very good for the child,” he said.
In addition to highlighting the role of parents, Mohan stressed to teachers the importance of a safe and comfortable school environment. He emphasised that a child’s happiness at school, from kindergarten to junior high school level, must be a priority over academic grades alone.
“I told the teachers, please ensure there is no bullying there. New students must respect their seniors, and those who have been there longer must guide their juniors,” Mohan asserted.
He also advised teachers in Mataram not to merely transfer academic knowledge in the classroom. “Teachers must pay attention to the child’s growth and development, especially attention to behavioural changes. Knowledge can be taught, but regarding morals and sincerity, teachers must be role models,” he concluded.