MAKASSAR – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) continues to strengthen its commitment to realizing inclusive higher education through the 2026 Independent Admission Pathway for Disability Affirmation (Jalur Mandiri Afirmasi Disabilitas). A total of 15 prospective students with disabilities were declared to have passed the assessment stage held by the Unhas Disability Center from 1 to 9 June 2026 at the Jalinan Jiwa Inclusive Park, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus.
The assessment process consisted of document verification, rights-based interviews, and hands-on introduction to and use of assistive technology. The entire assessment followed the social model and rights model of disability, which position persons with disabilities as subjects who hold rights, capacity, and equal opportunity in accessing higher education.
The Head of the Unhas Disability Center, Dr. Ishak Salim, explained that the Independent Admission Pathway for Disability Affirmation is part of the university’s strategic efforts to build a just and inclusive system of higher education governance. The policy reflects the university leadership’s strong commitment to ensuring that no group in society is left behind in gaining access to quality higher education.
“The Rector of Hasanuddin University’s commitment to strengthening an inclusive campus continues to be realized through various policies, including increasing the admission quota for the disability affirmation pathway year after year. This shows the university’s seriousness in opening wider access for persons with disabilities,” said Dr. Ishak.
Dr. Ishak further stressed that the assessment is not intended merely to meet the administrative needs of new student admission, but is also an important instrument for ensuring that decision-making is fair, accountable, and sustainable. The assessment results will serve as the basis for providing reasonable accommodations suited to each student’s needs as they go through the learning process on campus.
During the assessment, a number of prospective students and parents also voiced their hopes for strengthening a more inclusive campus ecosystem. Among the input given were improved physical accessibility for wheelchair users, flexibility in the timing of assignments and exams, and a stronger academic culture free from discrimination. The experience of one participant who still faced access barriers while taking the Computer-Based Written Examination (UTBK) was also noted as a concern for improving services and facilities in the future.
The fifteen participants who passed the assessment will proceed to registration for various study programs at Unhas, namely: Sociology, Anthropology, Government Studies, Communication Science, Management, State Administrative Law, Political Science, Indonesian Literature, Digital Communication, Accounting, Public Administration, Psychology, Law, English Literature, and Veterinary Medicine.
The next stage includes interviews with the destination faculty or department. In addition, the assessment results will be used as the basis for issuing an assessment certificate, which is one of the supporting documents in the re-registration process for new students.
Through the Independent Admission Pathway for Disability Affirmation, Hasanuddin University affirms its commitment to providing a higher education environment that is inclusive, equal, and welcoming to all students. The Unhas Disability Center hopes that all participants who passed the assessment will be admitted as Unhas students and receive adequate support, from accessible lecture rooms and sign language interpreter services to flexible exam arrangements and ongoing academic assistance.
The program is part of Hasanuddin University’s continuing efforts to build a campus that values diversity, upholds equality of opportunity, and ensures that every individual can grow and contribute to the fullest in the academic environment.(*/pusdis/dhs)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.