Indonesia Considers Inclusive Education Expansion for “Sekolah Rakyat” Program
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs is evaluating a proposal too integrate inclusive education practices into the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s Schools) program, perhaps expanding access to education for children with disabilities across the nation.The announcement follows a request from the Indonesian Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities (Portadin) for at least five percent of the “Sekolah Rakyat” units to be strengthened as inclusive schools.
The “Sekolah Rakyat” initiative,launched by President Prabowo Subianto,aims to provide thorough education – encompassing elementary,junior high,and senior high school levels – to children from impoverished and extremely poor families. Currently, 100 “Sekolah Rakyat” units are operational, serving 9,700 students. Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, confirmed that some students with disabilities are already enrolled in existing units, citing examples in Lamongan (East Java) and Cibinong (West Java) accepting students with intellectual disabilities.
Though, access to specialized education remains a meaningful challenge. Indonesia currently has approximately 2,396 Special Schools (SLB) serving 7,287 sub-districts. This translates to an average of one SLB per three sub-districts, creating substantial barriers for children with disabilities, notably those in remote and underdeveloped areas.Portadin argues that leveraging the “Sekolah Rakyat” network through inclusive education programs could bridge this gap and promote greater equity in educational opportunities. Siswandi Abdul Rachim, a member of the Portadin Advisory Board, emphasized the potential of “Sekolah Rakyat” to “create justice and equality” for children with disabilities given the limited availability of SLBs.
Minister Yusuf stated the Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as part of the “Sekolah Rakyat” formation team to thoroughly assess the proposal. No timeline for a decision has been announced.
Key Details:
Program: Sekolah Rakyat (People’s schools) – a boarding school program for children from poor and extremely poor families.
Enrollment: 9,700 students across 100 units.
Proposal: Portadin requests 5% of Sekolah Rakyat units be developed as inclusive schools.
Current SLB Coverage: Approximately 2,396 Special Schools (SLB) serving 7,287 sub-districts (1 SLB per 3 sub-districts on average). Government Response: Ministry of Social Affairs will study the proposal in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Initiative Origin: Launched by President Prabowo Subianto.
