UNS — The Komisi Nasional Disabilitas Republik Indonesia (KND RI) and Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta officially signed a Cooperation Agreement on the Inclusivity Assessment of Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia. The agreement was signed by KND RI Commissioner Kikin P. Tarigan and UNS Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Information, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, at Ki Hadjar Dewantara Building, UNS Tower, on Wednesday (21/1/2026).
On the occasion, UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the trust given by KND RI to UNS through the signing of this cooperation agreement. He stated that this collaboration is not merely a formal document, but a strategic partnership to build an inclusive, measurable, and impactful higher education ecosystem for persons with disabilities in Indonesia, including the development of the UNS Inclusion Metric.
Prof. Hartono emphasized that UNS has a long history and strong commitment to the development of inclusive education. This commitment began with the establishment of the Special Education Study Program at the undergraduate level in 1966 and the master’s level in 2000.
It was then strengthened by various academic studies on disability at UNS, supported by the establishment of the Center for Rehabilitation and Remediation Studies in 1991, which is now known as the Disability Studies Center under the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNS.
In 2024, UNS officially established the Disability Service Unit as an integral part of the university’s organizational structure and governance. This step confirms that disability services have become part of the institutional system of UNS.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of KND RI, Dr. Dante Rigmalia, explained that this cooperation aims to strengthen synergy between KND RI and UNS in implementing the inclusivity assessment program for higher education institutions. This effort is intended to encourage the realization of inclusive and equitable higher education for persons with disabilities in Indonesia.
The scope of cooperation includes conducting inclusivity assessments at universities across Indonesia. In its implementation, KND RI plays a role in encouraging university participation through socialization, providing data and access to target institutions, participating in the assessment process, and jointly announcing the assessment results with UNS.
Through this collaboration, UNS and KND RI are committed to continuously promoting inclusive, fair, and sustainable higher education, in line with the national development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially quality education and reduced inequalities.
After the signing of the cooperation agreement, Dr. Dante delivered a public lecture titled “Impactful Campus, Inclusive Campus” before UNS leaders and students. She emphasized that the concept of an impactful campus must be realized through the implementation of a campus that is inclusive, friendly, and fair for all members of the academic community, including persons with disabilities.
Higher education institutions not only serve as centers for the development of knowledge, but also carry a social responsibility to ensure equal access, participation, and educational services for everyone.
“We appreciate UNS’s commitment, which is considered consistent in promoting inclusivity through affirmative admission policies, scholarship support, and the development of the UNS Inclusion Metric as an assessment instrument for inclusive campuses. These initiatives are seen as good practices that can be replicated by other universities in Indonesia,” said Dr. Dante.
Through strengthening the concept of an inclusive impactful campus, KND RI hopes that universities in Indonesia will continue to improve, recognize their own potential, and provide fair, equal, and sustainable higher education for all levels of society.
HUMAS UNS
