He encouraged senior students to act as mentors and guides to new students.
“My message to the seniors is that they must be friendly, full of smiles. They are to guide their juniors. They should be happy to meet new faces,” Latipulhayat said after reviewing the first day of the friendly MPLS activity at public high school SMA Negeri 22 here on Monday.
He explained that the 2025–2026 friendly MPLS has been designed to emphasize character education and raise awareness about several social issues that must be prevented, such as online gambling, drug abuse, and violence.
Related news: Hundreds campaign for Friendly School Environment Orientation Period
In addition, Latipulhayat advised schools to use the MPLS as an opportunity to identify and nurture new students’ talents and skills.
The ministry has released a complete guidebook to help schools plan the five-day school orientation program.
“This means the orientation week must truly serve its purpose to introduce students to their new environment, new friends, and the learning atmosphere. It must never be filled with any activity that deviates from that,” Latipulhayat said.
On the occasion, he also asked new students to stay motivated in learning and in exploring their talents and skills as they begin their new academic stage.
“The most important thing is how you study, make the best use of your time at school. Believe me, there are no stupid students; everyone is smart. You just need to discover and make use of that intelligence,” he said.
Related news: Jakarta supports fathers joining children's school start
Translator: Hana, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
