"Based on latest data, there are 44,477 schools spread in all provinces," the ministry's Assistant Deputy for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, Jazziray Hartoyo, told ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.
Hartoyo explained that inclusion schools have the spirit of providing the same opportunities to all children, including those with disabilities, to learn and develop in regular schools.
From year to year, the number of inclusion schools in the country has increased significantly. In 2021, there were 35,802 inclusion schools, and the figure rose to 40,928 inclusion schools in 2022 and then to 44,477 in 2023.
Hartoyo stated that aligning with the increasing number of inclusion schools, the number of special needs children enrolled in inclusion schools had also increased to 146,205 students, rising 20 thousand from the figure recorded in 2021.
"In 2023, there are 146,205 students, while in 2021, there were 126,458 people," he remarked.
According to Hartoyo, the figure is an accumulated number of special needs children in early childhood education (PAUD) schools, elementary schools, junior high schools, as well as high schools and vocational schools.
He explained that based on existing regulations, all schools, both public and private, are required to become inclusion schools if there is a special needs child looking to enroll in their schools.
This is based on Law Number 8 of 2016 on People With Disabilities and Government Regulation Number 13 of 2020 on Adequate Accommodation for Students With Disabilities.
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Translator: Ahmad Muzdaffar, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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