"Every single child is loved by God, and anyone who loves them will receive priceless blessings," Umar noted in a statement received from his ministry here on Thursday.
Speaking at an event commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities held in Jakarta on Wednesday (December 4), Umar highlighted that the state is responsible for equally educating all children, including those with disabilities.
On that note, he emphasized the need for the government to continue increasing the number of inclusive madrasahs.
"Our spirits of inclusivity and diversity symbolize this nation's persistent move towards a fairer and more sustainable future," he remarked.
During the event, the minister also inducted Helmi Halimatul Udhmah as the Religious Affairs Ministry's "Bunda Inklusi," meaning Mother of Inclusion.
In her speech, Udhmah pushed all Islamic schools to fight against discrimination by accepting disabled students and providing them with the special facilities they need, as mandated by Religious Affairs Minister's Regulation No. 1 of 2024.
"It is imperative that we create a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment for our approximately 50 thousand students with disabilities," she stressed.
Meanwhile, the minister's Director General of Islamic Education, Abu Rokhmad, affirmed that his side would continue to boost the number of inclusive madrasahs to prove the government's presence for Indonesian disabled students.
"We will continue our efforts in transforming madrasahs into a place supportive of the growth of special children, a place where they feel accepted, respected, and provided with the opportunity to grow according to their talents and potential," he remarked.
Indonesia is home to over 55 thousand Islamic schools, of which a thousand are labeled as inclusive madrasahs.
Inclusive schools, which stood at only 77 in 2021, received the label for offering supportive facilities to disabled pupils, such as wheelchairs, ramp ways, guiding blocks, Braille writings, and special computers.
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Translator: Chairul R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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