Most disabled kids not in school

SURABAYA: An official with the Ministry of National Education said on Friday that only 3.8 percent of the country's 1.3 children with disabilities enjoyed formal education, leaving a big question mark over their future.

"Only 50,000 of a total 1.3 million children with disabilities currently enjoy elementary and junior high school education," said Mujito, director of Education for People with Disabilities at the Ministry of National Education.

According to Mujito, the children are unable to receive formal education due to the attitude of their parents, who keep them at home.

Mujito said the government would increase the number of schools for children with disabilities, so that they could benefit from a formal education like their able-bodied colleagues. --JP