Surabaya — A 2026 study by Farsya Audria Aisyah and Lukman Arif from Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur finds that the Rumah Anak Prestasi (RAP) Dukuh Menanggal program in Surabaya is effectively strengthening the skills, confidence, and independence of children with disabilities. Published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, the research highlights how a local government initiative can deliver measurable social impact through inclusive, non-formal services.
The findings come at a critical time. The number of children with disabilities in Surabaya continues to rise, increasing from 2,508 in 2022 to 2,759 in 2024. This trend places growing pressure on public services to provide inclusive support systems that go beyond formal education and address real-life skill development.
The Surabaya City Government has responded through the Rumah Anak Prestasi program, an initiative designed to nurture talent, build confidence, and promote independence among children with disabilities. Managed by the UPTD Kampung Anak Negeri under the city’s Social Services Office, RAP is part of Surabaya’s broader commitment to becoming a Child-Friendly City.
Unlike traditional special education schools that focus on academic instruction, Rumah Anak Prestasi emphasizes practical skills and personal development. The program offers a wide range of training activities, including batik, sewing, painting, music, public speaking, and sports. It also integrates health and therapy services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychological counseling, and acupuncture, creating a holistic support system for participants.
The study focuses on RAP Dukuh Menanggal, the newest and most fully equipped facility among four RAP centers in Surabaya. To assess its implementation, Farsya Audria Aisyah and Lukman Arif used a qualitative descriptive approach, collecting data through interviews, field observations, and documentation. The analysis followed an interactive model to evaluate how the program operates and how it affects participants.
The results show that the Rumah Anak Prestasi Dukuh Menanggal program is running effectively and aligns closely with the needs of its beneficiaries. Rather than offering generic activities, the program delivers targeted services that directly support children’s development.
Key findings from the research include:
The program successfully provides a platform for children with disabilities to develop their talents and life skills. Participants demonstrate clear progress through creative outputs such as artwork, crafts, and performances, reflecting increased confidence and engagement.
The implementing organization shows strong capacity. The Surabaya City Social Service oversees the program, while UPTD Kampung Anak Negeri manages daily operations with trained administrators and instructors. Clear task division and professional coordination contribute to smooth implementation.
Program delivery follows structured procedures, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory frameworks. This ensures accessibility, consistency, and orderly service mechanisms for participants.
The response from program staff is highly positive. Friendly communication, attentiveness, and inclusive attitudes create a supportive environment that encourages children to participate actively and helps build trust among parents.
Participation rates continue to increase over time, indicating strong community demand and growing public confidence in the program.
Farsya Audria Aisyah of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur explains that the program’s success lies in the alignment between three key elements: the needs of beneficiaries, the capacity of the implementing organization, and the structure of program delivery. When these elements work together, the program produces tangible outcomes for children with disabilities.
This insight reinforces the importance of well-coordinated public service design. The Rumah Anak Prestasi program demonstrates that inclusive development can be achieved when policies are translated into practical, community-based services.
The study also highlights the value of non-formal education models. By offering flexible, interest-based activities, RAP allows children to explore their abilities beyond academic frameworks. This approach not only enhances skill development but also strengthens self-esteem and social participation.
From a policy perspective, the findings provide a scalable model for other regions. Local governments can adopt similar community-based programs to complement formal education systems and expand access to inclusive services. The RAP model shows that effective disability support does not require complex infrastructure, but rather well-designed, responsive programs.
The implications extend to education and civil society. Collaboration with universities, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations could further enhance program quality and sustainability. Expanding partnerships would also introduce new expertise, foster innovation, and broaden the range of services available to participants.
The research emphasizes that continuous development is essential. Expanding training options and tailoring activities to individual interests can provide more opportunities for children with disabilities to express themselves and achieve success at local, national, and even international levels.
Ultimately, the Rumah Anak Prestasi Dukuh Menanggal program illustrates how inclusive public policy can deliver real-world impact. It not only provides services but also creates opportunities for children with disabilities to grow, participate, and build independent futures.
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