BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – A twibbon photo of a prospective student, allegedly from SMK PGRI 5 Denpasar, has gone viral on social media after featuring clothing and a pose that many netizens considered inappropriate for a student participating in the School Environment Orientation Period (Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah/MPLS).

The viral image quickly drew public attention, prompting the school to take immediate action by asking the student to replace the photo and undergo counseling.

SMK PGRI 5 Denpasar Principal Nuning Kurniawati emphasized that the school had never instructed students to wear revealing clothing or use inappropriate poses for their MPLS twibbon photos.

“We had already provided sample videos and photos as guidelines for what students should upload. Therefore, it is impossible that the school would recommend the use of inappropriate attire,” Nuning said.

She explained that the school had issued clear instructions regarding the type of personal photo that could be used in the MPLS twibbon. However, the student had questioned the school’s policy before uploading the image.

According to Nuning, the school is currently providing guidance and counseling to the student. The investigation was briefly hampered after the social media account used to upload the photo was switched to private mode and its identity was changed.

“We will continue the counseling process through our Guidance and Counseling (BK) teachers. The most important thing is to help students become wiser in using social media,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD Bali) Commission IV member Anak Agung Bagus Tri Candra Arka, popularly known as Gung Cok, said the incident highlights the crucial role of parents in shaping children’s character and moral values.

He stressed that character building is not solely the responsibility of schools, as teachers only interact with students for a limited time each day, while parents have a much greater influence at home.

“Even if this happened at a private school, we must also look at the role of parents. Teachers only meet students for a short period, whereas parents play a vital role in building their children’s moral values and mental character,” Gung Cok said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).

The Golkar Party politician added that character education should begin at an early age through consistent parental guidance so that children can behave responsibly, including when using social media.