Jakarta, October 20, 2026 – “Education is the right of every nation” is more than a principle enshrined in Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution. It also reflects the vision that higher education institutions across Indonesia strive to uphold. Universities serve not only as centers for research and learning but also as inclusive ecosystems that provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive, including persons with disabilities.

In line with this commitment, the Student Affairs Bureau of Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) participated in a forum and initiative to establish disability services at Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana (UKRIDA) in West Jakarta. According to Anton Kurniawan, S.P., M.M., Head of UNDIRA’s Student Affairs Bureau, the university’s participation represents a strategic step toward exploring different academic perspectives and management approaches to establishing and administering a Disability Services Unit within higher education institutions.

“As UNDIRA continues to grow, we need to learn from various management perspectives, particularly those related to academic knowledge and governance in the field of psychology. I hope that the participation of UNDIRA’s Student Affairs Bureau in this forum will provide us with valuable new insights, enabling us to improve the services we provide to our students,” said Anton Kurniawan, S.P., M.M.

Opening the forum, Dr. Ir. Oki Sunardi, S.T., M.M., IPM, ASEAN Eng., Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs and Innovation Development at UKRIDA, emphasized that excellence in higher education must go hand in hand with openness and inclusivity. In his view, universities should not merely serve as centers of research and education but should also take an active role in creating meaningful opportunities and positive change for persons with disabilities.

“An inclusive campus is not simply one that provides physical facilities. It must also foster an environment that supports the growth and development of every individual within its academic community. To achieve this, we need to strengthen our academic understanding and build a genuinely inclusive ecosystem. We must learn from one another and create an environment in which everyone can empower each other. This forum provides an opportunity for us to learn together and engage in discussions that can lead to tangible steps toward ensuring open and equal access for all students,” said Dr. Ir. Oki Sunardi, S.T., M.M., IPM, ASEAN Eng.

Echoing this commitment, Dr. Hendri Tambunan, S.E., M.A., Head of the Regional Office III of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti) in Jakarta, reaffirmed LLDikti’s commitment to ensuring accessible higher education without discrimination. As an institution at the forefront of quality assurance and the improvement of higher education facilities, LLDikti continues to encourage universities to provide equitable access to education for everyone.

He explained that approximately 26 universities in Jakarta have established Disability Services Units. He expressed his hope that this number would continue to grow, allowing more students with disabilities to receive comprehensive support. Beyond the provision of accessible facilities, LLDikti Region III also encourages outreach initiatives and mentoring programs related to mental health within higher education institutions. These efforts are intended to support both students and educational staff while fostering a fairer and more inclusive educational environment.

On the same occasion, Jonna Aman Damanik, Commissioner of the National Commission on Disabilities (KND), expressed his appreciation for the presence of Stella Christie, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, who attended the forum in person. He expressed his hope that the discussions would proceed constructively and help fulfill the mandates of Government Regulation No. 13 of 2020 and Minister of Education Regulation No. 48 of 2023. These regulations provide a framework for reasonable accommodations and the implementation of educational programs that enable persons with disabilities to access and participate in education.

In line with these principles, Stella Christie emphasized that an inclusive educational ecosystem must also be supported by innovation that creates equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. She referred to the story of Stephen Hawking and China's efforts to recognize and develop its human talent and resources. Through these examples, she highlighted that investing in the empowerment and personal development of persons with disabilities is just as important as investing in other members of society. Such efforts can also generate lasting social benefits for the nation.

The forum continued with a collaborative discussion led by Dr. Lalan Erlani, Ed.S., M.Ed., Head of the Disability Services Unit at Universitas Negeri Jakarta. She explained that each higher education institution should develop its own benchmarks and strategies for assessing needs, providing appropriate support, and improving facilities for students with disabilities, whether their needs are physical or psychological.

She further noted that assessment interviews, adjustments to Semester Learning Plans (RPS), and curriculum modifications could serve as practical measures to accommodate students with disabilities. These approaches are expected to address individual learning needs while helping students participate in academic activities alongside their peers in regular learning environments.

Through its participation in this forum, UNDIRA hopes to gain valuable knowledge and practical references to help develop more accessible and student-centered services. With these insights, UNDIRA continues to move toward becoming a more inclusive campus, where every student, without exception, feels welcomed, supported, and given equal opportunities to learn, develop, and reach their full potential.