New MPLS Regulations Outline Prohibited Activities and Sanctions
New Ministry of Education regulations for the 2026 MPLS period establish strict prohibitions and specific sanctions for organizing committee members.
Regulatory Framework for MPLS 2026
The Ministry of Education has issued updated guidelines governing the Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS), or school environment introduction period, for the upcoming 2026 academic cycle. These regulations aim to standardize student orientation processes and ensure a safe, educational transition for new students entering various educational levels.
The directives specifically address the conduct of school administrators and student organizing committees. By formalizing these rules, the ministry intends to eliminate traditional forms of unauthorized activities that have historically occurred during orientation periods. The framework provides a legal basis for schools to monitor and enforce student safety protocols.
Prohibited Activities and Conduct
The new guidelines include a comprehensive list of actions that are strictly forbidden during the MPLS period. While the specific list is integrated into the Ministry of Education's regulatory documents, the core focus remains on preventing physical, psychological, and social harassment. Prohibited behaviors typically include:
- Any form of physical violence or corporal punishment.
- The imposition of tasks that lack educational value or are irrelevant to school orientation.
- Use of humiliating attire or props that target a student's dignity.
- Activities involving hazing, bullying, or seniority-based intimidation.
- Unsupervised gatherings that bypass official school oversight.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
To ensure accountability, the regulations outline specific consequences for committee members and school staff who violate the established mandates. The severity of the sanctions depends on the nature of the violation and the impact on the students involved. Potential disciplinary actions include:
- Formal warnings issued to the organizing committee and school administration.
- Administrative sanctions against the responsible staff members.
- Suspension of MPLS activities for the specific institution if violations are systemic.
- Legal repercussions if the misconduct constitutes criminal behavior under existing national laws.
School administrators are tasked with ensuring that all orientation programs align with these national standards. The 2026 guidelines emphasize that the primary goal of MPLS is to foster a positive, welcoming environment that supports the academic and social integration of new students without the presence of coercive practices.
