Wednesday, 28 October 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan officially opened the Center for Children With Special Needs (Sentra ABK) in Pagar Merbau District on Friday, August 21, 2026. The facility marks another step by the Deli Serdang Regency Government to expand access to education, care, counseling, therapy and programs aimed at fostering greater independence among children with special needs.
The opening of Sentra ABK was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives of the regional government, teachers and tutors for children with special needs, activists, as well as the children themselves. The regional government aims to ensure that the center does not function merely as a care facility, but develops into an activity hub offering educational and skills-development opportunities, as well as avenues for children with special needs to express their creativity."This opening is not merely a demonstration of what we are capable of doing. More importantly, it reaffirms a clear message: in Deli Serdang, no child should be left behind. All members of society and all sectors will be treated equally by the government," he said firmly.
According to Asri, the government must not view Sentra ABK merely as a place for training and therapy. He expressed his hope that the facility would develop into a comprehensive service center that strengthens equal access to education for children with special needs.Programs to be expanded in the future include the equivalent education programs Paket A, B and C. These programs are intended to give children with special needs the opportunity to continue their education according to their individual needs and abilities, while also preparing them more effectively for independent living.
The Deli Serdang Regency Government also plans to develop the center as a counseling, referral and training facility for tutors working with children with special needs. Various therapy services will be introduced gradually, including speech therapy, physiotherapy, motor skills therapy, behavioral therapy, independence training and preschool programs.
Asri also called for Sentra ABK to provide productive opportunities for children with special needs. The regional government will develop the center not only as a place for education and therapy, but also as a facility where children can gain work experience and develop their own products or services.
"We will also establish a business unit here in the future. For example, out of the approximately 3,000 pairs of school uniforms that we procure, the task of attaching the uniform badges could be carried out at this center by our special-needs children. They should not only receive an education, but also have the opportunity to work and create something," the regent explained.The plan is part of the government's efforts to introduce vocational skills to children with special needs from an early age. Through productive activities tailored to their individual abilities, the children are expected to gain experience, build confidence and have opportunities to contribute to society.
The use of existing facilities could also be expanded into other productive activities. Asri said the land surrounding the center could be utilized for agricultural activities, allowing children with special needs to participate according to their abilities and interests."We must make optimal use of all available potential. The funds provided by the government must have a clear and immediate impact on the community," he said.
The regent also instructed that services at Sentra ABK begin immediately while the government continues to meet the need for therapists. During the initial phase, he ordered specialists from regional hospitals to be involved at certain times. This approach would prevent residents from having to wait until all supporting professionals are fully available."This must be the first step. This center must operate properly and effectively. We want to show that today's opening is not the end, but the beginning of our efforts to advance the future of our children," he concluded.
According to the Deli Serdang Education Office, approximately 1,613 children with special needs live across 22 districts. Of that number, 21 Community Learning Centers (Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat/PKBM) already provide services to around 613 children with special needs.
However, existing services have yet to reach every area. Three districts—Sibolangit, STM Hulu and Gunung Meriah—currently do not have a PKBM serving children with special needs.Against this backdrop, Sentra ABK in Pagar Merbau has strategic importance. In addition to providing direct services, the facility can serve as a counseling and referral center for families and institutions seeking assistance related to the education of children with special needs.
"This center will function as a counseling center, referral center and training center for tutors of children with special needs throughout Deli Serdang Regency. In the future, it can also be used for social activities and the development of business opportunities for children with special needs," Suparno said.The opening was also attended by the chairwoman of the Deli Serdang Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK) and patron of early childhood education (Bunda PAUD), Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan; ABK activists Syahrial Tambunan and Tima Manggarita Dwi Rani Zahri; tutors for children with special needs; and representatives of the children receiving services.
During the event, the children also presented artistic performances. Annur Sakinah from PKBM Galang performed a dance, while Azzahra Maira Putri recited a poem.The event also demonstrated that children with special needs possess potential that can be developed when they are provided with appropriate spaces, support and opportunities. The Deli Serdang Regency Government is now positioning Sentra ABK as one of the facilities intended to provide broader opportunities for that development.
With a concept encompassing education, therapy, counseling, tutor training and the development of business opportunities, Sentra ABK in Pagar Merbau is expected to become a sustainable service center. At the same time, the regional government remains responsible for ensuring that the facility continues to operate and develop so that children with special needs and their families across Deli Serdang can genuinely benefit from its services. (IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
