UNS – The Disability Studies Center (Pusat Studi Difabilitas-PSD) Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with PT Bayan Resources Tbk on Wednesday (6/6/2024). The MoU signing took place in the Ballroom of the Ki Hadjar Dewantara Tower UNS as part of the opening ceremony for the 14th International Conference on Special Education in the Southeast Asia Region (ICSAR) 2024.

The MoU was signed by the Acting Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs at UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., and the Manager of HSE-CD/CSR, Dian Fiana Ratna Dewi. The event was also attended by Dr. Praptono, M.Ed., Secretary of the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Secondary Education (PAUD and Dikdasmen); Aswin Wihdiyanto, S.T., M.A., Director of the Directorate of Community Education and Special Education (PMPK); Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi., Head of PSD LPPM UNS; representatives from PT Bayan Resources Tbk; and Prof. Dr. Mardiyana, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS.

The MoU between UNS and PT Bayan Resources Tbk pertains to the provision of scholarships for students with disabilities at UNS for the 2024/2025 academic year. PT Bayan is offering educational scholarships to 20 students with disabilities at UNS, with a total value of 4 billion and 360 million rupiah.

UNS has been accommodating students with disabilities since its establishment. Prof. Yunus highlighted that UNS is committed to being a disability-friendly and non-discriminatory campus. This commitment was recognized when UNS received the Inclusive Award in the field of education from the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in 2012.

Several regulations at UNS support the rights of students with disabilities, including Rector’s Regulation No. 1150/2020 concerning the Requirements and Procedures for New Student Admissions, which includes the Disability Independent Selection (Seleksi Mandiri Jalur Disabilitas-SMJD). Prof. Yunus greatly appreciates the Bayan Peduli Educational Scholarship, as it aligns with UNS’s policies supporting students with disabilities.

“I highly appreciate PT Bayan for collaborating with us by providing full scholarships for the education of students with disabilities for four years,” Prof. Yunus said.

Dian, Manager of HSE-CD/CSR at PT Bayan, delivered their strong commitment through the Bayan Peduli Educational Scholarship program, which benefits students with disabilities. Bayan Peduli is a major umbrella for PT Bayan Resources’ CSR programs, focusing on support for the disability sector and inclusivity.

“This time, in collaboration with UNS, we are focusing on special education by providing scholarships to students with disabilities. We believe that every individual deserves access to quality education regardless of their physical, economic, and social backgrounds. With this initiative, we aim to grant scholarships to students who have the potential to become agents of positive change in society,” Dian said.

The Bayan Peduli Educational Scholarship is expected to greatly benefit the academic progress of UNS students. This decision represents a significant effort between UNS and PT Bayan to support the development of an inclusive sector within the campus environment.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti