Heaptalk, Jakarta — To establish an inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive education ecosystem, the Putera Sampoerna Foundation (PSF) held a National Teachers’ Day celebration on Tuesday (12/03) at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Building A in Jakarta.
During the event, Elan Merdy, Senior Director of PSF, emphasized that the foundation reaffirms its commitment to pioneering an inclusive, innovative, and adaptive education ecosystem. This initiative aims to nurture academically excellent young Indonesians and equip them to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Teachers are the cornerstone of education. Through our training and support, we believe they can become agents of change in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. Technology also plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ numeracy and literacy skills, preparing them for future challenges,” Elan stated.
The first session, “Facing Stigma: Changing Perceptions of Inclusive and Special Education,” addressed the stigma that still lingers in society. Inclusive education is often misunderstood despite its aim to ensure equal educational rights for all students. Beyond fostering safe and supportive learning environments, inclusive education also cultivates empathy, collaboration, and social skills—qualities essential in the era of globalization.
Putra Asga Elevri, Director of Secondary and Special Education Teachers at the Directorate General of GTK, noted the importance of collecting accurate and accessible data to support inclusion for individuals with disabilities in Indonesia. Collaboration among the government, society, and families is crucial in building a supportive environment.
“With a needs-based and environmental assessment approach, we can better understand students’ learning profiles, especially those with undiagnosed learning difficulties. Awareness in schools regarding these issues must also be enhanced to ensure all students, including those with disabilities, can learn more effectively,” he explained.
The session also marked the launch of the book “Bridging Differences: Inclusive and Special Education as Pillars of Equality,” authored by the Guru Binar team in collaboration with the Directorate General of GTK, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Merdeka Mengajar Platform. This book serves as tangible evidence of teachers’ contributions to educational innovation at the national level.
Juliana, Head of Program Development at Guru Binar, Putera Sampoerna Foundation, highlighted the significant role of teachers: “Teachers who create adaptive learning environments can help every student feel valued and reach their potential. Collaboration among schools, parents, and communities is key to building a truly inclusive education ecosystem.”
