Hearing-Impaired Children in Tangerang Enthusiastic About Participating in TKA

The Special School (SKH) YKDW 2 in Tangerang City, Banten, has successfully boosted students’ enthusiasm for taking the Academic Ability Test (TKA). One hundred percent of hearing-impaired pupils completed the TKA over two days, on 6-7 April 2026.

The TKA was conducted with great enthusiasm among pupils with special needs. This success stems from the school’s meticulous preparations, from socialisation and simulations to coordination with parents. The head of SKH YKDW 2 Tangerang, Mulyati, considers this coordination with parents as a crucial factor in the successful implementation of the TKA at the special school.

“Of course, the approach differs from regular schools. We involve parents to play an active role in preparing for the TKA,” explained Mulyati, head of SKH YKDW 2 Tangerang.

The involvement of parents/guardians extends beyond socialisation of the event; it also encourages them to help prepare and support their child’s learning at home. This method is deemed effective for ensuring the TKA’s success.

Director General (Dirjen) of Secondary Education and Special Education, Tatang Muttaqin, who inspected the TKA implementation, appreciated the steps taken by SKH YKDW 2 Tangerang to make the TKA a success. Dirjen Tatang emphasised that the role of parents is a key element in learning, including for the TKA.

“The TKA is an initial step to assess pupils’ abilities. Parental motivation, especially for pupils with special needs, will greatly aid the TKA results,” stated Dirjen Tatang.

One example is Sahira, a Year 9 pupil at SKH YKDW 2 Tangerang, who prepared for the TKA well in advance. She was pleased to complete the numeracy and literacy questions successfully. “Alhamdulillah, I finished it and feel relieved. I hope the results are good,” said Sahira using sign language.

Sahira explained that her participation in the TKA was to gauge her learning abilities, which would serve as a benchmark for her next educational level. “I enjoyed filling in the literacy questions. I also have a passion for the arts. The TKA can be a way for me to pursue literacy and arts,” she added.

From the parents’ side, Elis Kurniasih, Sahira’s guardian, has her own methods to boost her child’s learning motivation. Elis was glad that the school involved her to better understand the TKA concept and school exams, which were thoroughly explained. She passed this information to her child, motivating Sahira to follow all TKA stages in pursuit of her future dreams. Elis hopes her child achieves the best results.

Elis explained, “I first explained that the TKA is just like practice, so she stays calm. Sahira’s learning also involves giving additional questions at home.” (H-2)