Indonesia opens Sekolah Rakyat to children with disabilities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has confirmed the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program is open to children with disabilities, subject to an assessment of each child’s needs and individual circumstances.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf said after a limited meeting with the leaders of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) in Jakarta on Thursday that placement of children with disabilities in the school is carried out selectively, taking into account the severity of their conditions and the child’s ability to adapt.

“We first look at the extent of the disability. Not all children can be treated in the same way. But as long as it is feasible, we will accept them in Sekolah Rakyat,” he said.

Although he did not provide details, Saifullah said there have already been several cases in which children with mental disabilities in various regions, such as Bekasi, South Sumatra, and North Sulawesi, had already enrolled in the Sekolah Rakyat program and showed very positive progress after one year.

However, he said, if an assessment indicates that a child is not yet ready to join regular learning activities directly, the ministry will first refer the child for rehabilitation at a social rehabilitation center or facility run by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

“So we look at the conditions and the results of the assessment. If they are ready, we will integrate them into the school. If not, they go to the center first for rehabilitation,” he said.

Saifullah emphasized that Sekolah Rakyat concept is designed to integrate three main functions that run in parallel: education, rehabilitation, and vocational training.

Under this scheme, children who are not yet psychologically or motorically ready for formal learning will receive rehabilitation support at Ministry of Social Affairs service centers until they are ready to join with other students.

“We are grateful for the recommendations provided to the Ministry of Social Affairs. We are also grateful that KPAI has accompanied us all this time, especially in carrying out the President’s strategic program, Sekolah Rakyat,” he said.

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Translator: M Riezko Bima, Fauzul Azhim Bin Fakhrurazi
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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