Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is committed to ensuring that new students do not suffer hazing or bullying by senior students during school orientation (MPLS) for the 2025–2026 academic year, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti said.
This commitment is reflected in the launch of the Friendly MPLS campaign, which he described as a step toward improving the image of school orientation among the public.
“The change of name is not symbolic, as it reflects our determination to make this year’s MPLS a friendlier and more effective way to help students adapt to their new environments and friends,” the minister said at the Friendly MPLS launch in Jakarta on Friday.
He informed that through the campaign, the government aims to guide schools to use the orientation period to not only introduce students to their new schools but also raise awareness about pressing social issues, such as online gambling, drug abuse, and violence by seniors against juniors.
To ensure quality and meaningful orientations, he added, the ministry has warned schools against condoning abusive punishments and humiliating tasks.
The minister stressed that teachers must play a more active role in MPLS by making sure that students only take part in educative activities that can help them adapt to the new school environment.
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He informed that this year’s MPLS will feature several activities aimed at promoting positive habits and identifying the talents and potential of each student.
“It is crucial to raise participants’ awareness about the importance of studying and pursuing education as a way to shape a bright future,” Mu’ti stressed.
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Earlier, head of the ministry’s Center for Strengthening Character, Rusprita Putri Utami, affirmed that the government has strictly banned non-educational activities during MPLS to ensure students transition into school in a safe and supportive environment.
“There are several activities that are strictly prohibited during Friendly MPLS, including hazing, violence, and anything harmful or non-educational,” she said during an online broadcast on Tuesday.
