Challenges and strategies for establishing inclusive school in Indonesia: Aligning Islamic values with inclusive education principles

Authors

  • Luqmanul Hakim Muttaqin Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Indonesia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7737-1139
  • Muhammad Haekal Monash University, Australia
  • Ibrahim Ibrahim Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
  • Ratna Tri Utami Universitas Muhammadiyah Lampung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30868/ei.v12i03.5021

Keywords:

Special and Inclusive education, inclusive culture, students with disabilities, school reform, Muhammadiyah, Islamic studies

Abstract

The global movement towards inclusive education has gained momentum in recent years, aiming to provide equitable education for all students, regardless of their abilities. Indonesia, in response to this transformative movement, has ratified an inclusive education policy, aiming to provide educational opportunities to students with disabilities within regular classroom settings. However, translating policy into practice poses significant challenges, with deeply entrenched medical model perspectives influencing public perceptions of individuals with disabilities.

This article delves into the necessity of fostering a comprehensive understanding of and valuing diversity to support the establishment of an inclusive school environment in Indonesia. It explores the essential shift from the medical to the social model in understanding students with disabilities and highlights the significant role of beliefs and attitudes in shaping the implementation of inclusive education. Furthermore, it examines the alignment of Islamic values, particularly the "Fikih Difabel", with the principles of inclusive education.

The article emphasizes the pivotal role of creating an inclusive culture within schools, guided by the Index for Inclusion, to develop sustainable inclusive practices. Strategies to overcome challenges in promoting acceptance and inclusivity among stakeholders, including educators, parents, and students, are proposed, such as education and awareness, engaging religious scholars, collaboration and partnership, cultivating an inclusive school culture, parent and community involvement, monitoring and evaluation, and advocacy for policy reform.

By aligning inclusive education principles with Islamic values, specifically through the "Fikih Difabel," Muhammadiyah can lead by example in fostering inclusive school environments within its institutions. These efforts can positively impact the lives of students with disabilities and promote a sense of unity and empathy among all students, contributing to a truly inclusive society in Indonesia.

Author Biographies

Luqmanul Hakim Muttaqin, Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh

Luqmanul Hakim Muttaqin is a lecturer in the special education study program at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh. My research interest is developing inclusive education for all and early intervention systems. Specifically, I am interested in how schools and universities can be inclusive for students with vision impairment.

Muhammad Haekal, Monash University

Muhammad Haekal is a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Australia, currently studying children’s educational experiences in a correctional facility in Indonesia.

Ibrahim Ibrahim, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur

Ibrahim is a lecturer at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia.

Ratna Tri Utami, Universitas Muhammadiyah Lampung

Ratna Tri Utami is a lecturer at Universitas Muhammadiyah Lampung, Indonesia.

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Published

29-08-2023

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