IDStrengthening Campus Inclusivity: Universitas Pembangunan Jaya Commits to Establishing Disability Service Units
Bintaro, South Tangerang, 12/06/2024 – Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) hosted a Technical Guidance (Bimtek) activity for the assistance program in establishing and strengthening Disability Services Unit (ULD). This technical guidance was held on May 30, 2024, and was directly led by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) Republic of Indonesia.
Professor Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T, M.T., the Director of Learning and Student Affairs, stated in her opening speech, "In an effort to encourage Higher Education Institutions to establish and strengthen Disability Services Units, the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Kemendikbud has launched this assistance program for the establishment and strengthening of Disability Services Units, to achieve the goal of providing quality education access and services and organizing inclusive education."
The technical guidance was held in a hybrid format, attended by 48 representatives from higher education institutions selected as recipients of the ULD establishment and strengthening assistance program for 2024. The event aimed to equip these institutions with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and manage an effective and sustainable ULD.
The establishment of ULD is based on two important laws in Indonesia:
- Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 20 of 2023 on the National Education System Article 5 Paragraph 2, which states that citizens with physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, and/or social disabilities have the right to receive special education.
- Law Number 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities Article 42 Paragraph 3, which mandates that every higher education organizer must facilitate the establishment and strengthening of ULD.
Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students. This aligns with UPJ's vision and mission to become a superior and characterful higher education institution.
The organization of the ULD technical guidance is a tangible step by UPJ in realizing this commitment. Through the establishment and strengthening of ULD, UPJ ensures that every individual, including those with special needs, can achieve their full potential in a fair and equitable academic environment.
In his opening remarks at the technical guidance, UPJ Rector Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., expressed his full support for the implementation of an inclusive campus. He emphasized that UPJ provides opportunities for all students from various backgrounds to pursue higher education. "Universitas Pembangunan Jaya fully supports the implementation of an inclusive campus, which will provide opportunities for all students from various backgrounds to pursue higher education," he said.
UPJ believes that disability services are not only about providing access but also about enriching campus diversity and promoting better collaboration and understanding among all members of the academic community.
Therefore, UPJ's efforts in establishing and strengthening ULD will not only benefit students with special needs but also foster a more inclusive and diversity-appreciative society at UPJ.
