Pontianak’s matron of the early childhood education schools (Bunda PAUD), Yanieta Arbiastutie, urged schools to make student orientation welcoming, inclusive and free from bullying. During visits to three schools, she emphasized patient support from teachers and parents. One school also offered Child Identity Cards (KIA) services, helping families secure official identification and access public services more easily.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Pontianak’s matron of the early childhood education schools (Bunda PAUD), Yanieta Arbiastutie, has called on schools and families to make student orientation a safe and enjoyable bridge into a new learning environment.

Yanieta delivered the message while inspecting the School Environment Introduction Program (MPLS) at three Pontianak schools on Wednesday, July 15. The schools were SDN 34 Pontianak Kota, TK Adicita Mulia and SDN 31 Pontianak Barat.

“School orientation offers many benefits. Students can learn about their school environment, classmates and teachers. The school becomes their second home,” Yanieta said.

She said children’s first experiences at school could shape their confidence, sense of security and enthusiasm for learning. Teachers and parents should therefore guide them patiently and avoid behavior that could make new students feel intimidated.

“Carry out the process with smiles and kindness. A child’s first impression of school will become the beginning of sympathy and a sense of comfort,” she said.

Yanieta urged teachers to create inclusive environments that reject discrimination, intimidation and bullying from the first day of school.

“I hope there will be no discrimination or bullying. Teach children affection, honesty and responsibility, as well as respect for teachers and parents, good manners, discipline and care for the school environment,” she said.

Her message is consistent with the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s child-friendly MPLS framework. The ministry says orientation should uphold children’s dignity, strengthen character and help every new student feel safe and accepted. Its official guidance rejects hazing and activities that expose students to violence or humiliation.

At SDN 31 Pontianak Barat, the orientation program included an on-site service for issuing Child Identity Cards (KIA). The service allowed parents to arrange official identification for their children while attending school activities.

“This KIA cards is very important. It is not merely a card; it represents the fulfillment of children’s rights,” Yanieta said.

Indonesia issues KIA cards to unmarried children under 17. The policy is governed by Home Affairs Ministry Regulation No. 2 of 2016, which establishes the card as a child’s official identity document.

According to the Pontianak municipal government, families may use the card to support school registration, access health services and open children’s savings accounts. Participating recreation venues and bookstores may also offer benefits to cardholders.

“With a KIA card, children can obtain their rights in public services, including education and healthcare. Parents whose children do not yet have one should arrange it immediately,” Yanieta said.