On Monday (23/09), the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) and Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) collaborated to organize a Sign Language Workshop titled “I Can Hear with My Eyes” in the Nusantara Room, 4th Floor of the Department of Industrial Engineering. The event aimed to introduce sign language communication to FTUI lecturers and students as part of an effort to broaden awareness of social inclusion and communication for students with special needs.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the basics of Indonesian Sign Language (SIBI), including demonstrations of the alphabet, numbers, and other forms of sign communication. Additionally, participants practised sign language through a song titled *Sahabat*, creating an interactive atmosphere as the participants enthusiastically engaged in understanding sign language. The participants expressed great enthusiasm throughout the event.
Prof. Ir. Dr. T Yuri M Zagloel, Head of the Manufacturing Systems Laboratory at DTI FTUI, expressed in his opening remarks, “I would like to extend my highest appreciation to everyone involved in organizing this workshop. The theme ‘I Can Hear with My Eyes’ is truly inspiring and reminds us of the importance of equal access for all individuals to education. It is hoped that more integrated sign language teaching will be introduced in the future, fostering a more inclusive academic environment.”
At the end of the session, Prof. Ir. Dr. T Yuri M Zagloel from DTI FTUI and Puan Zainah Binti Rujihan from PSA signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) to explore potential collaboration, particularly in research, technological innovation, and student mobility between the two institutions.
“In the future, we hope that the collaboration between FTUI and PSA will continue to grow and bring even greater benefits to both institutions. I am confident that this close collaboration will open new opportunities in the fields of education, innovation, and research, supporting the creation of a more inclusive academic community that can contribute not only to the institutions but also to society at large and the nation,” said Puan Zainah Binti Rujihan, Director of PSA.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., remarked, “The collaboration between FTUI and Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah through this sign language workshop marks an important step in expanding access to inclusive education. We are committed to continually promoting innovation in learning that accommodates all individuals, including those with disabilities. Through this program, we hope to make a tangible contribution toward creating a more inclusive and sustainable educational environment while raising awareness of the importance of equal communication in various sectors of life.”
The LoA signing ceremony was witnessed by researchers from DTI FTUI, including Ir. Fauzia Dianawati, M.Si., Dr. Inaki Maulida Hakim, S.T., Mt., Early Lula Afif, S.T., M.T., and Ir. Dendi P. Ishak, MSIE., Ph.D., as well as DTI FTUI students from the 2021-2022 cohorts. Representatives from PSA included the Deputy Director of Academics, the Deputy Director of Academic Support, Department Heads, and lecturers from Mechanical Engineering, along with deaf students from the Special Certificate Program in Mechanical Maintenance and members of the Student Representative Committee (JPP) JKM.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
