Inclusive Education : Challenges and Opportunities for Multicultural Societies

Abstract

Inclusive education is an approach that emphasizes the importance of equal access to education for all individuals, including those with special needs, in the context of Indonesia's multicultural society. This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities faced in implementing inclusive education in Islamic educational institutions. The method used is a literature study, by analyzing various sources of literature, including books, journal articles, and related policy documents. The results of the study indicate that the main challenges in inclusive education include limited resources, stigma, and discrimination against Children with Special Needs (ABK). However, there are opportunities to improve collaboration between communities and develop more inclusive performance. The implications of this study emphasize the need for educational policies that are responsive to the needs of diversity and the active role of the government and society in creating a friendly learning environment for all individuals. By encouraging the values of equality, justice, and respect for differences, inclusive education has the potential to contribute to building a more harmonious and tolerant society. Through the implementation of inclusive education based on Islamic principles, it is hoped that an inclusive learning atmosphere will be created, allowing all individuals to participate and develop optimally in an environment that supports diversity. This research is expected to be a reference for developing better education policies in the future.