This report examines the state of disability inclusion in Indonesia’s higher education system, focusing on policy implementation, institutional practice, and the experiences of students with disabilities. It provides the most comprehensive national assessment of disability inclusion in the sector to date.

Ensuring equitable access to higher education is critical to Indonesia’s commitments under national legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While enrolment of students with disabilities is increasing, evidence suggests that significant barriers continue to limit participation, progression and success in higher education.

Commissioned by the British Council through the Going Global Partnerships programme, the study combines three complementary strands of research: analysis of national disability data, a survey of 157 higher education institutions, and qualitative case studies involving 12 universities across Indonesia. Together, these provide insight into national trends, institutional capacity and the lived experiences of students and staff with disabilities.

Key findings include:

• Student participation is growing. National data shows a 45.9 per cent increase in the number of students with disabilities enrolled in higher education between 2019 and 2024, indicating progress in access and participation.
• Institutional commitment is increasing but remains uneven. While more universities are establishing Disability Service Units and introducing inclusive policies and services, only around half of surveyed institutions have a Disability Service Unit in place, and many lack formal procedures, accountability mechanisms and dedicated budgets.
• Significant barriers persist across the student journey. Dedicated admissions pathways, inclusive teaching practices, accessible learning materials, disability-specific career support and staff recruitment schemes remain limited across many institutions.
• Accessibility and support systems are often underdeveloped. Many institutions lack accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, structured mentoring programmes and comprehensive support services, with provision frequently dependent on volunteers and individual champions.

System-wide reforms are needed to achieve sustainable inclusion. The report highlights the need for stronger disability data systems, dedicated funding, improved governance, accessible digital and physical environments, and greater involvement of people with disabilities in institutional decision-making and service design.