"This activity is an important first step for students to understand and implement the friendly MPLS," Head of the East Java Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai, stated after opening the event.
The campaign also emphasized a commitment to rejecting online gambling, illegal lending, and bullying during the school orientation period.
Students from Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Gresik signed a joint commitment to carrying out MPLS in a friendly, educational, inclusive, and violence-free way.
Paewai underscored the need for the campaign due to students' frequent use of digital devices and technology, which can expose them to risks such as online gambling, illegal loans, or drug abuse.
"This serves as a form of education to help them avoid misleading information," he stated.
During the five-day orientation, students will be introduced to their school environment, the national curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the government's "Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children" movement.
"We hope they can adapt quickly and understand their academic preferences, whether in science, social studies, or languages," Paewai remarked.
This year’s MPLS also helps students prepare for the Academic Competency Test (TKA) scheduled for November. While the test does not determine graduation, it serves as a benchmark for academic improvement.
On the same day, all students also participated in the "Great Indonesian Children Exercise," held simultaneously across the region. Meanwhile, the East Java Education Office also hopes to make the exercise a daily routine before classes begin.
Efforts to prevent bullying have also been strengthened, with teachers required to accompany students throughout the school orientation activities.
Related news: Govt to ensure safe, friendly school orientation: Mu’ti
Related news: Majority of vocational graduates secure jobs in industry: official
Related news: Preparing a quality generation through vocational education
Translator: Willi, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
