RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is strengthening its inclusive education strategy for children with special needs, with Special Education Schools (SLB) at its center. The program aims to foster character development and independence.

The Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education is promoting the implementation of the Seven Habits of Excellent Indonesian Children (Tujuh Kebiasaan Anak Indonesia Hebat/7 KAIH) as a framework for guiding students with special needs.

The program is disseminated through the “Solutions Webinar,” which serves as a platform for sharing best practices from across the country.

The Ministry’s Special Staff for Inclusive Education, Rita Pranawati, said approaches in SLBs must be flexible and tailored to individual needs. She emphasized the importance of shifting from equality to equity in educational services.

“The 7 Habits of Excellent Indonesian Children movement not only fosters positive habits but also builds students’ character to be disciplined, morally upright, and capable of contributing. In special education schools, this approach must be adapted to each child’s needs, moving from equality toward equity,” Rita stated in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday, May 3, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She added that cross-sectoral collaboration is key to expanding access to fair and quality education. Policy support and growing public awareness are expected to accelerate the strengthening of inclusive education.

The Head of the Ministry’s Character Strengthening Center, Rusprita Putri Utami, noted that the forum is essential for cataloging innovations from educational institutions. The results of best practices, she said, are expected to be replicated nationwide.

“The various best practices presented demonstrate the innovation and creativity of educational institutions in fostering adaptive positive habits. This serves as an important inspiration to be replicated and expanded throughout Indonesia,” she said.

Director of Special Education and Special Services, Saryadi, highlighted the importance of building a sustainable service ecosystem. He said the implementation of 7 KAIH represents a holistic intervention covering cognitive development, social-emotional growth, independence, and life skills.

“The implementation of 7 KAIH in special education schools is part of a comprehensive educational intervention that addresses the cognitive, social-emotional, independence, and life skills aspects of students with special needs,” Saryadi said. ***