Ministry Launches Inclusive Mudik Program for 1,000 People with Disabilities

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu'ti officially dispatched a group of travelers with disabilities returning to their hometowns (mudik) for the upcoming holiday, marking a concrete commitment to inclusive public services.

The initiative, part of a program titled "Ramadan Gembira (Fun Ramadan) with 1,000 People with Disabilities," was held at the Baitut Tholibin Mosque within the Ministry’s complex in Central Jakarta on Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026.

Minister Mu'ti noted that this program aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to ensure every community group can return home safely and joyfully to celebrate the holidays with their families.

Beyond the seasonal support for travelers, the Minister detailed a strategic roadmap to strengthen inclusive education services as part of the "quality education for all" mandate.

The Ministry’s key commitments begin with a plan to increase the number of Special Schools (SLB) across several provinces to broaden access for students with special needs. Additionally, there will be a stronger push to mainstream inclusive education within formal schools, allowing these students to learn alongside their regular peers whenever possible.

Finally, the Ministry aims to bolster non-formal education services to provide students with special needs the vocational skills necessary to improve their independence and overall quality of life.

To support these structural goals, Minister Mu'ti announced that the Ministry would organize fast-track training programs this year to increase the number of assistant teachers. These specialized educators will be deployed to both SLBs and inclusive schools to address the current shortage.

“This is a mandate of the National Education System Law, which states that children with special needs have the right to receive special education services,” Mu'ti emphasized, as quoted by Antara.

The event, which included a communal fast-breaking (iftar) session, serves as a cornerstone for the Ministry's 2026 agenda to ensure that educational facilities and social support systems become more accessible to the disabled community nationwide. ***