UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta is hosting the 14th International Conference on Special Education in Southeast Asia Region (ICSAR) 2024. This conference focuses on special education topics in Southeast Asia, bringing together academics and experts from around the world to collaborate on creating safe and inclusive environments for individuals with special needs.

The 14th ICSAR 2024 was a three-day event, held from Wednesday (5/6/2024) to Friday (7/6/2024). The conference was conducted in a hybrid format, with in-person events taking place in the Ballroom of Ki Hadjar Dewantara Tower at UNS.

As part of this event, UNS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Bayan Resources Tbk, aimed at providing scholarships for disabled students for the 2024/2025 academic year. This MoU signing took place during the opening session of the 14th ICSAR 2024.

The first day of the 14th ICSAR 2024 featured a Collegial Meeting at UNS Inn, attended by the Indonesian Professional Association of Orthopedagogy (APOI), Southeast Asia Association for Special Education (SEASEd), and various academic community members. Attendees included the Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS, Prof. Dr. Mardiyana, M.Si., and the Chairman of the 14th ICSAR 2024 Committee, Dr. Subagya, M.Si.

The Collegial Meeting discussed trends in the Special Education Study Program curriculum, curriculum reconstruction, and academic discussions. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Asep Supena, M.Psi., a professor of Special Education Psychology from the Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), and Dr. Aljon Dapa, M.Psi., a lecturer in Special Education from Universitas Negeri Manado. Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi., Head of the Disability Study Center at LPPM UNS and professor of Inclusive Education Management at FKIP UNS is the moderator.

The second day of the 14th ICSAR 2024 marked the peak of the conference. Dr. Joko Yuwono, M.Pd., representing the organizers, emphasized that inclusive education has become a global discussion. He highlighted the importance of global involvement in promoting student-friendly, environmentally friendly, and learning-friendly education.

Dr. Joko Yuwono stated that inclusive education has grown and established itself in providing equal opportunities for special needs students. He noted that these students can increasingly become active members of society. He also acknowledged that special education practices still require various improvements, presenting challenges for continuous development and adaptation.

“Addressing these challenges requires research, publication, innovation, creativity, and accommodations based on the needs of society, educators, education personnel, and students,” Dr. Joko Yuwono said.

Aswin Wihdiyanto, S.T., M.A., Director of the Directorate of Community Education and Special Education (PMPK) at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) RI, appreciated the active participation of the academic community in this international conference. He emphasized the importance of all contributions to the sustainability and improvement of educational services for individuals with disabilities.

“On behalf of Kemendikbudristek, I express gratitude and full support for the initiative of all parties, including UNS as the host. Inclusive education has undergone significant changes and progress in Southeast Asia’s educational systems, and globally,” Aswin said.

The 14th ICSAR 2024 featured several keynote speakers, including Dr. Praptono, M.Ed., Secretary of the Directorate General of Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Education, who delivered a keynote remark. Other notable speakers included Assoc Prof. Aurora Adina Colomeischi, Ph.D., from the University of Suceava, Romania; Prof. Hyo Jeong So from Ewha Womans University, South Korea; Shinsaku Nomura, Senior Economist and Education Cluster Lead for Indonesia, World Bank; Aswin Wihdiyanto, S.T., M.A., Director of PMPK; and Dr. Fadhilah Umar, S.Pd., M.Or, from UNS. The second day also included a second Collegial Meeting focusing on the formation of a curriculum reconstruction working group.

The third day of the 14th ICSAR 2024 concluded the event with visits to several educational institutions, including Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) Solo, the Disability and Inclusive Education Service Center in Surakarta, and Al Firdaus Elementary School.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti