Blind Students Complete Quran Reading as Ministry of Religion Emphasises Equal Educational Access
Jakarta – The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has asserted that there must be no difference in educational services provided between students with special needs and students without disabilities.
Amien Suyitno, Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religion, made this statement whilst highlighting the achievement of visually impaired students who completed Quranic recitation using Braille script.
“As per the Minister’s directive, there must be no difference in educational services between students with special needs and students in general,” said Amien, speaking at the Khotmul Qur’an (Quranic completion ceremony), religious counselling session, and joint breaking of fast at Masjid Ibnu Umi Maktum in Bandung on Friday, 13 March 2026.
“All children in Indonesia must receive equal educational services,” he added. “We may not be able to see with our eyes, but we must not be blind in our hearts and spirit.”
According to Amien, reading the Quran in Braille is not a simple task. Even for those who can see, reading the Quran properly requires practice and diligence. Therefore, the success of visually impaired students in completing Quranic recitation represents both a spiritual achievement and evidence of their dedication and seriousness in their studies.
The programme serves as proof of the state’s commitment to ensuring all children of the nation have access to proper learning opportunities.
The Khotmul Qur’an, religious counselling, and joint breaking of fast event involved 300 students from Special Schools (SLB), 200 Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers from special schools throughout the Greater Bandung region, and 200 members of PERTUNI (an association for the blind).
Helmy Halimatul Udhma, Advisor to the Women’s Empowerment Division (DWP) of the Ministry of Religion, stressed that the Quranic completion ceremony by visually impaired students is not merely a ceremonial activity, but rather proof that the light of the Quran is accessible to everyone without limits.
“Inclusion is not merely a concept, but a tangible commitment to ensure every child of the nation has equal opportunities in education and personal development,” she stated. She also expressed appreciation to special school teachers, Islamic religious education instructors, and the PERTUNI Bandung chapter for their dedicated service and guidance.
According to her, inclusive education requires strong collaboration between families, teachers, and communities. When parents provide love and care, teachers teach with sincerity, and communities provide inclusive spaces, children with special needs can develop into confident, independent, and beneficial individuals for society.
To provide inclusive religious services, the Ministry of Religion stated it will continue to develop various strategic programmes. These include strengthening the competencies of Islamic religious education teachers at special schools, providing Braille Qurans, developing audio and digital learning materials, and training religious outreach workers to deliver disability-friendly religious services.