Pusbisindo Receives Government Funding from the Directorate of Special Education and Special Services for the Development of Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo)

Mr. Kesumo Yoga Prawira, Chairperson of Pusbisindo, shakes hands with a representative of the Directorate of PKPLK during the handover of government funding.

Jakarta — The Indonesian Sign Language Center (Pusat Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia/Pusbisindo) has received Government Funding for Education Quality Improvement 2026 from the Directorate of Special Education and Special Services (PKPLK), Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). This support represents an important step toward strengthening the development of Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) through ongoing research, documentation, and innovation.

Through this funding, Pusbisindo will continue its efforts to develop Bisindo through periodic research, including mapping and understanding the diversity of Bisindo use across different regions of Indonesia. This work is essential to ensure that the development of sign language continues to reflect the needs and experiences of the Deaf community.

In addition to research-based development, government support also creates opportunities for the advancement of Bisindo through digital technology. One of the initiatives being explored is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the development and broader accessibility of sign language vocabulary.

The funding from the Directorate of PKPLK, Kemendikdasmen, represents tangible support for Pusbisindo's role in advancing Bisindo in Indonesia. This support is expected to strengthen Pusbisindo's capacity to implement programs that contribute to improving communication access, education, and participation for the Deaf community.

Group photo with representatives from Pusbisindo, PERTRI, Pelita, and the Directorate of Special Education and Special Services (PKPLK)

As part of the 2026 Government Funding for Education Quality Improvement program, support was also provided to several other organizations working to improve the quality of special education, including the Yayasan Pemberdayaan Tuli-Buta Indonesia (Pelita) and Persatuan Tunarungu Indonesia (PERTRI). For Pusbisindo, however, this support has strategic significance in strengthening efforts to develop Bisindo as an essential part of accessibility and inclusive education.

Pusbisindo expresses its appreciation to the Directorate of PKPLK, Kemendikdasmen, for its trust and support. This funding is expected to provide a strong foundation for the continued collaborative, research-based, and needs-driven development of Bisindo for the Deaf community across Indonesia.

Supporting the development of Bisindo is not only an investment in language, but also an investment in a more equal and inclusive future for Deaf education and the lives of Deaf people in Indonesia.