Prospects and Challenges of Inclusive Education in Indonesia: Examining the Educational Environment of Students with Disability

Abdul Hafid (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam DDI Islamic High School of Maros, Indonesia)

Mauriduna: Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Mauriduna : Journal of Islamic Studies, February 2025

The implementation of inclusive education in Indonesia exhibited the state’s effort to provide equal access to education, including students with special needs. As stipulated by the 1945 Constitution, coupled with the Law No. 20 of 2003 on the National Education System. However, it remained face a several challenges. In this sense, this paper seeks to analyses the framework, obstacles, and prospects of inclusive education in Indonesia. The research uses a descriptive-analytical methods. It relies on the legal and policy documents combined with empirical data in assessing the recent implementation of such inclusive education policies. It found significant advancement of the implementation of inclusive education, especially the integration of children with special needs into regular classes. Nevertheless, some challenges also found, such as the teacher preparation, limited accessibility, and social stigma that remain arise. The research further suggests the need for cross-sectors institutional-coordination to strengthen the inclusive education with special attention to the rights of students with disabilities.