The celebration of National Education Day (Hardiknas) 2026 at Hasanuddin University was not only a ceremonial occasion but also a space for reflecting on the direction of an increasingly inclusive education. One initiative came from the Disability Service Center (Pusdis) of Unhas, through the active participation of students with disabilities and their support staff in enlivening the series of activities.
Their presence is not merely a symbol of involvement but a real representation of the transformation of the higher education ecosystem, which is beginning to accommodate diversity more systematically. The initiative emerged independently, driven by a collective awareness to affirm that academic spaces must be accessible to everyone, without exception.
As stated by the Head of Pusdis Unhas, Dr. Ishak Salim, S.IP., M.A., the participation is part of efforts to bring real inclusivity into campus life, not just discourse.
From a social science perspective, inclusivity in education is measured not only by formal policy but also by everyday practices that reflect acceptance and equal participation. The involvement of students with disabilities in the Hardiknas celebration is an important indicator that Unhas is moving toward a sustainable inclusive campus model.
Furthermore, the interactions that developed during the event show a new dynamic in campus culture. Students from diverse backgrounds mingled without barriers, creating a more empathetic and collaborative space for dialogue. This reinforces findings in various education studies that direct experience in an inclusive environment can raise social sensitivity and reduce stigma toward disability.
Pusdis Unhas plays a strategic role in this process, not only as a service facilitator but also as an agent of cultural change. Through its active involvement in the Hardiknas occasion, Pusdis promotes a new narrative that diversity is not just a slogan but a value that is alive and continues to grow on campus.
The Hardiknas 2026 celebration thus became more than an annual commemoration. It emerged as a stage proving that Hasanuddin University is further affirming its commitment to education that is inclusive, adaptive, and just. (*/dhs)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.