Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting equal access to education for all segments of society, including persons with disabilities. Through strategic initiatives currently being formulated across ministries, the government is exploring opportunities to expand access to Community Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) to make them more inclusive and disability-friendly.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, stated that his ministry would study proposals from parents to develop Sekolah Rakyat into inclusive educational institutions that also serve children with disabilities.
“We will study and discuss this proposal with all stakeholders. This is still at an early stage,” said Gus Ipul.
Gus Ipul further explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs would coordinate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Dikdasmen) as part of the Sekolah Rakyat formation team to assess the proposal in more detail.
Despite being in the early stages, Gus Ipul revealed that several Sekolah Rakyat programs already include students with disabilities.
“For example, in Sekolah Rakyat located in Lamongan and also in Cibinong, West Java, there are already children with intellectual disabilities who have been accepted,” he said.
Previously, the Indonesian Parents Association for Children with Disabilities (Portadin) proposed that at least five percent of Sekolah Rakyat should be designated as inclusive schools, ensuring that children with disabilities receive equal educational opportunities within their own social environments.
The proposal was conveyed by Portadin Advisory Board Member Siswandi Abdul Rachim during a discussion attended by Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs Maman Abdurrahman and House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission VII Member Rahayu Saraswati at the Ministry of Social Affairs Building in Salemba, Jakarta, on August 7, 2025.
In that discussion, Siswandi highlighted that there are currently only 2,396 Special Schools (SLB) serving 7,287 districts across Indonesia — meaning that, on average, one SLB must cover up to three districts.
The government’s move to expand access to Community Schools for persons with disabilities is expected to become a milestone toward a more just, inclusive, and socially equitable national education system. With the involvement of communities, educational institutions, and the private sector, Sekolah Rakyat can serve as a real example of education that truly reaches everyone, without exception.
This initiative underscores that educational equity is not only about building infrastructure, but also about ensuring the rights, equality, and dignity of every Indonesian citizen.