Pijar Foundation and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Promote Bilingual Education for Deaf Children

The Bilingual Education for Deaf Children Program is launched to strengthen inclusive learning models in Indonesia.

Jakarta, June 30, 2026 – For deaf children, access to education begins not only with the availability of schools, but also with access to language. Language serves as the primary gateway for deaf learners to study, ask questions, understand lessons, and participate equally in the classroom.

According to a study conducted by Pijar Foundation, 91% of parents believe that sign language is essential for the future of deaf children. However, early exposure to sign language remains limited, including within educational settings. In response to this challenge, Pijar Foundation, with strategic support from The Nippon Foundation, has launched the Bilingual Education for Deaf Children Program, which adopts a bilingual approach using sign language alongside spoken and written language.

At an event titled "Collaborating for Inclusive Education in Indonesia: From Pilot Initiatives to Sustainable Impact," Pijar Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia to develop a catalogue of best practices and policy recommendations on bilingual education for deaf learners. The event was attended by Dr. Fajar Riza Ul Haq, M.A., Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, along with senior officials from the Ministry.

The Bilingual Education for Deaf Children Program underscores that language is not merely a means of communication but the foundation of the learning process. In addition to developing more inclusive teaching models, the program also strengthens teachers' capacity through the Teacher Academy for Deaf Education, currently attended by 20 hearing teachers and 5 Deaf teachers. The initiative is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to create more accessible learning environments for Deaf students.

"Language is the gateway to knowledge, and knowledge is how we grow together. Building an inclusive education system means building bridges so that deaf children can understand, be understood, and fully participate in the learning process. Teachers are the cornerstone of this educational system," said Cazadira Fediva Tamzil, Executive Director of Pijar Foundation. "The Bilingual Education for Deaf Children Program begins with the Teacher Academy for Deaf Education, which equips teachers with the skills to implement bilingual education in everyday classroom practice," she added.

A similar view was expressed by Adhi Kusumo Bharoto, a Deaf sign language linguist in Indonesia.

"Sign language should be the first language of deaf children because it is part of their identity. This Memorandum of Understanding represents a genuine commitment to creating a more deaf-friendly environment that enables deaf children to achieve their future aspirations."

In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilingual education as part of broader efforts to create more inclusive learning environments for deaf students.

"The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to meeting the needs of teachers in special education. This marks an important momentum for strengthening our shared commitment to building an inclusive education ecosystem. The launch of this program reinforces the support of civil society in realizing quality education for all," said Dr. Fajar Riza Ul Haq, M.A., Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, in his remarks.

The Nippon Foundation supports the implementation of this initiative as part of its efforts to strengthen Indonesia's inclusive education ecosystem. Its support is intended to ensure that the program goes beyond a pilot initiative and serves as a shared learning platform for enhancing educators' capacities and strengthening institutional practices.

"When deaf children have access to sign language, they have greater opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to society. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that deaf children have more equitable opportunities to thrive," said Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation.

Pijar Foundation believes that inclusive education requires collaboration among government institutions, educational organizations, the Deaf community, civil society organizations, disability communities, and development partners. Through this collaboration, the Bilingual Education for Deaf Children Program is expected to serve as an important first step toward expanding access to more equitable, meaningful, and sustainable education for deaf children across Indonesia.