Fatma Saifullah Praises LSBA Bekasi Vocational Education for Children with Disabilities
Enthusiastic applause rang out at the Arswendo Atmowiloto Centre for Performing Arts, LSPR Transpark Bekasi, last weekend. A student from London School Beyond Academy (LSBA) Bekasi, Marthalima Dwi Satryo, performed a duet with Mr. Josef Radel during the academy’s inauguration ceremony.
The performance was witnessed by Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, adviser to the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Social Affairs. She admitted to being moved by Marthalima’s performance.
“Seeing our children perform just now, my heart was deeply touched. They have proven that behind limitations there is extraordinary talent that needs only one thing to blossom: opportunity,” Fatma said in a statement on Monday (17/8/2026).
The presence of LSBA Bekasi is part of efforts to expand vocational education spaces for adolescents with disabilities. The campus, located within the LSPR Transpark Bekasi environment, not only offers classroom learning but also prepares students for life after completing formal education.
“After formal education, we must prepare our children to become more independent, dignified, and accepted in society,” Fatma said.
Fatma noted that the educational needs of children with special needs continue to grow. Therefore, further education should be directed towards strengthening practical skills, self-confidence, social abilities, and readiness to enter the workforce.
Fatma also highlighted the crucial role of parents who consistently support their children’s development. The struggle and affection of families form the primary foundation for the success of vocational education.
She welcomed the consistency of LSPR Institute Founder and CEO Prita Kemal Gani, as well as LSBA and LSCAA Director Associate Professor Chrisdina, in providing vocational education that gives children space to recognise and develop their potential.
“Inclusive education is not only about the material delivered in the classroom. What is far more important is how these children gain self-confidence, skills, and opportunities to contribute to society,” Fatma said.
In agreement, Chrisdina said every child has different potential and developmental needs. Therefore, LSBA does not apply a uniform approach to all participants.
“Learning at LSBA emphasises hands-on practice with programmes tailored to participants’ abilities,” Chrisdina explained.
She revealed that participants not only learn technical skills but are also equipped with communication, social, discipline, responsibility, and self-confidence abilities. The learning approach uses fun learning, visual, and auditory methods, combining pedagogical, technological, and emotional aspects according to participants’ needs.
Chrisdina further explained that LSBA Bekasi offers four skills areas: Culinary Arts, Crafts, Office Administration, and Digital Design and Printing.
Participants undergo six semesters of learning, followed by two semesters of work training. Before being accepted, prospective participants who are high school graduates or equivalent first undergo an assessment to determine their needs and appropriate development programme.
With a maximum capacity of 70 students per cohort, LSBA Bekasi is equipped with various practice facilities, including laboratories for culinary arts, screen printing, crafts, and handicrafts. This learning will eventually continue into the workplace.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is one of the institutions embracing LSBA students and graduates. Currently, Selalu Ada Kopi, a disability-friendly café located at the Ministry of Social Affairs office, has become a professional workspace for people with disabilities to develop skills as chefs, baristas, and waiters while learning to manage business operations.
In addition to Selalu Ada Kopi, the collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs, LSBA, and various other parties under DIFABELA DWP Kemensos demonstrates the competitiveness of works by people with disabilities in the open market.
Craft and culinary products produced by the students meet industry competency standards. The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to adapt LSBA’s standardised learning and mentoring model for social rehabilitation centres across various regions of Indonesia.
Also present at the inauguration was Shinta Maruarar Sirait, adviser to the DWP of the Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas. Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, together with Shinta Maruarar, LSPR Institute founder and CEO Prita Kemal Gani, Kemal Effendi Gani as chairman of the board of trustees of Yayasan Pesona Pribadi Sejahtera which oversees LSPR, and former Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Ridwan Hassan, jointly cut the ribbon marking the opening of LSBA Bekasi on the second floor of the LSBA Bekasi building.