JAKARTA — Schools across Indonesia prepared to hold additional safety briefings for students and staff on Monday after authorities responded to a bomb threat that disrupted the first day of orientation activities at a public elementary school in South Jakarta, prompting renewed government calls for heightened vigilance and adherence to campus security procedures.
The incident occurred at Srengseng Sawah 15 Public Elementary School in Jagakarsa, where police evacuated students and school personnel after a bomb threat was reportedly sent in a private message to a teacher. Authorities said officers conducted security checks while investigating the source of the threat.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat condemned the threat and urged school administrators to suspend orientation activities until security could be assured.
"I ask the school management to suspend the orientation activities until there is a clear guarantee of safety," Atip said, according to the state news agency ANTARA. Police were continuing efforts to identify the sender of the message as of Monday.
The episode coincided with the nationwide start of the 2026 Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS), or school orientation program, during which millions of students begin the new academic year.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has instructed schools to ensure orientation programs prioritize student safety and well-being. Under the 2026 "MPLS Ramah" guidelines, schools are required to strengthen communication with parents, reinforce safe-school practices and foster an environment free from violence and intimidation.
Government officials have also linked this year's orientation activities with the broader Gerakan Ruang Aman dan Nyaman untuk Anak (RANA), a cross-government initiative intended to improve child protection in schools, homes, public spaces and digital environments. Officials say the program emphasizes preventive measures and cooperation among education authorities, local governments and communities.
The ministry has repeatedly stated that schools should serve as safe learning environments and has encouraged education providers to review emergency procedures, coordinate closely with local authorities and respond promptly to potential security risks.
Police have not announced any arrests or said whether the threat was credible. Investigators were continuing to trace its origin, while education authorities said schools should maintain normal learning activities only when safety can be ensured.
