PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - Integrated Elementary School 1 Bekasi Regency implements boarding schooling to develop students' readiness to learn, independence, and character.

Students undergo a 14-day School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) before participating in regular learning at school.

PIC of Integrated People's School 1 Bekasi Regency, Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemensos RI), Budi Satriyo, said that MPLS accustoms students to carry out routines independently.

"Two weeks, 14 days. There, the children will be taught discipline, such as making the bed, washing, ironing, waking up early, praying the dawn prayer for Muslims, exercising, bathing, eating breakfast, and then entering class," said Budi after the opening of the MPLS at the Cikarang Pusat Regency Complex (August 31, 2026).

After the MPLS is completed, students undergo matriculation for three months to equalize their abilities before entering normal learning.

Matriculation is necessary because students have different educational backgrounds, including children who have dropped out of school or have not attended school.

"Some have dropped out of school, some haven't attended school. Or perhaps they're just less fortunate, normal children. So, we need to prepare them first and bring them on par. After that, normal learning can resume," he explained.

After regular learning begins, students continue to participate in evening activities in the form of character building to build character and positive habits.

Evening activities include group study, group discussions, and religious learning according to each student's beliefs.

"Muslims study the Koran and pray in congregation. Non-Muslims also have their own religious lessons. They can study in groups or even have discussions together," he said.

This educational pattern makes students not only pursue academic abilities, but also learn to be independent, disciplined, and responsible in their daily lives.

During their education, students are also not introduced to using cell phones as part of the boarding school lifestyle.

From a health perspective, all students have BPJS Health membership to ensure access to medical services during their education.

The school also coordinated with BPJS Kesehatan to move students' first-level health facilities to the nearest community health center.

"We've already coordinated with BPJS. We will move the first-level health facility to a community health center near the school," Budi said.

Student health monitoring involves school counselors and the Health Department so that medical service needs can be addressed more closely.

Integrated People's School 1 Bekasi Regency has 19 existing teachers, 24 guest teachers, as well as 40 educational staff and 29 assistant staff.

The majority of students come from Bekasi Regency, while some others come from Bekasi City because permanent schools in the area are still in process.

"Most of them are from Bekasi Regency. A few are from Bekasi City, where they were placed in care because there's no permanent elementary school there," he said.

Parents can still visit students once a month on Saturdays or Sundays when learning is not taking place.

Students also have the opportunity to return home following the school calendar approximately three times a year, including Eid al-Fitr, class promotions, and Christmas and New Year.

The boarding school education system provides students with a learning space while also building independence, discipline, lifestyle habits, and character.

(Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)