RI Govt revitalizes 836 special schools to boost inclusive education

indonesianupdates.com_admin

4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is revitalizing 836 special education schools this year to strengthen inclusive education through safer buildings, improved accessibility and facilities tailored to students with disabilities.

At a technical design finalization and guidance workshop in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday, the ministry urged schools to ensure revitalization plans support learning, mentoring and student independence, beyond physical repairs.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti stressed that every child, including those with disabilities, has the right to proper education. He said school buildings and facilities must therefore be adapted to accommodate students’ needs.

“This revitalization is not a goal, but a means to provide representative school buildings and excellent education,” Mu’ti said in a written statement on Wednesday.

The ministry’s Director General of Secondary and Special Education, Tatang Muttaqin, said demand for education infrastructure repairs remained high, with several schools still needing additional classrooms.

According to the ministry’s Education Data system, more than 900,000 classrooms have sustained moderate to severe damage and require repairs.

“Behind these figures are millions of children waiting for safe, comfortable, and decent learning spaces, including children with special needs in special education schools,” Tatang said.

He urged school principals to use revitalization funds according to their schools’ needs and approved plans, warning them against complying with requests to misuse the funds.

The ministry expects school-specific revitalization plans to ensure that improved facilities are used effectively and meet students’ educational needs.

Therapy rooms, accessible pathways, vocational training facilities and safe buildings are among the essential features needed to support students with disabilities.