Press Release: MPLS Ramah 2026: The First Day of School is a Gateway to Happiness Without Trauma

MPLS Ramah 2026: The First Day of School is a Gateway to Happiness Without Trauma

Published on: 23 Juni 2026

Jakarta, June 23, 2026 – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) launched the 2026 School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) policy. The high public attention to the issues of bullying and children's mental health has led to a new paradigm shift in this year's MPLS from physical meetings (meeting points) to unifying spaces (melting points). This aims to blend differences, eliminate anxiety, and ensure that every new student immediately feels like a safe, comfortable, and inclusive second home from day one.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu'ti, emphasized that the essence of the Friendly MPLS is to welcome the nation's future with compassion, not with tests of fear.

"MPLS Ramah is not just a change in terminology, but a change in perspective in welcoming new students, from MPLS activities that are prone to violence, bullying, and are less meaningful to MPLS that are full of compassion, respect, and a culture of peace designed through conscious, meaningful, and joyful learning experiences," Abdul Mu'ti emphasized.

This firm commitment now has a strong legal basis through the ratification of Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 12 of 2026 concerning the School Environment Introduction Period. This regulation explicitly prohibits all forms of hazing, physical and psychological violence, extortion, and the use of attributes lacking educational value. Furthermore, this regulation breaks the chain of negative seniority traditions by prohibiting alumni from participating in the organization and requiring parents to participate through outreach before the start of the new school year.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Suharti, added that the new regulation was designed based on an in-depth evaluation to prioritize students' physical and psychological well-being. "This regulation emphasizes that the MPLS (School Learning Program) is a strategic opportunity to build a Safe and Comfortable School Culture from the first day of school. Its implementation is regulated through planning, implementation, and post-implementation stages, and it also strengthens collaboration between schools and families through outreach to parents or guardians before the activity takes place," Suharti said.

This adaptation challenge is being addressed with different approaches at each level. The Director General of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Non-Formal Education (Dirjen PAUD Dikdas PNFI), Gogot Suharwoto, emphasized the importance of character- and skills-based mentoring for students in the digital era. "Kindergarten children learn through play and exploration, elementary school students begin to build study habits and character, while junior high school students are entering a transition period toward adolescence, where they need support to build self-confidence, expand their circle of friends, and become a capable and wise generation in the digital space," Gogot explained.

Meanwhile, at the secondary and special education levels, the focus is directed towards strengthening identity and equal inclusivity. The Director General of Secondary and Special Education, Tatang Muttaqin, stated that MPLS must be an inclusive stepping stone for the future. "Let's abandon the notion that the school induction period is synonymous with hazing. New students don't need to be tested with fear to become strong, but rather need to be guided to develop self-confidence, courage to explore their new environment, and believe that school is a safe and comfortable place to learn and grow," Tatang said.

To support implementation in the field, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a Ministerial Decree containing references to educational MPLS materials that are readily adaptable. Local governments, school principals, teachers, and parents are required to use the official guidelines from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which focus on strengthening character and a culture of peace.

The 2026 Friendly MPLS (School-Friendly Program) sends a clear message to all stakeholders in the education sector: the first day of school is a gateway to happiness, not the beginning of fear. It's time for Indonesian children to learn safely and grow comfortably, for a trauma-free future for Indonesian education.

Further information regarding the implementation of the 2026 Friendly MPLS can be accessed through the official website: https://cerdasberkarakter.kemendikdasmen.go.id/mplsramah/ *** (Author & Documentation: Uly)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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