When is MPLS 2026? Here are the Provisions

At the start of each new academic year, a school environment introduction period (MPLS) is routinely conducted to familiarise new students with their school environment. Typically, MPLS takes place from the first day of school over the following few days. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued Ministerial Regulation Number 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). This circular replaces Minister of Education and Culture Regulation Number 18 of 2016 on the Introduction to the School Environment for New Students. It stipulates that MPLS lasts for five days during the first week of the academic year. In Jakarta, based on the 2026/2027 academic calendar, MPLS 2026 will be held from Monday, 13 July 2026 to Friday, 17 July 2026. MPLS is a routine agenda at the start of every new academic year to welcome students. Choosing educational MPLS activity ideas that are free from elements of hazing is crucial so that new students feel comfortable while adapting. MPLS activities must be designed to be as engaging as possible to increase the learning motivation of new students in an unfamiliar environment. Combining academic information with light group games can be an effective approach. The following are several educational activity ideas that can be implemented during the orientation period: a School Exploration Tour, taking students around in small groups to identify classrooms, laboratories, the library, worship facilities, and the canteen; Group Dynamics Games, conducting ice-breaking or simple games specifically designed to train teamwork and cohesiveness among new students; Inspiration Sharing Sessions, inviting accomplished alumni to share their learning experiences to motivate students; Extracurricular Demonstrations, showcasing brief performances from each extracurricular activity unit so new students can choose activities according to their interests and talents; creating a Tree of Aspirations, inviting each student to write down their hopes and learning targets on a piece of paper and then posting them together on the class bulletin board; a School Insight Quiz, holding an interactive question-and-answer quiz about the school’s history, vision and mission, and rules to test students’ focus in a fun way; and an Environmental Care Action, involving students directly in light activities such as tending the garden or cleaning the classroom area to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment.