BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Amid the bustling atmosphere of Denpasar City, an educational institution continues to emphasize a balance between academic excellence and spiritual character development for its students. The school, managed by the Bali Dharma Science and Spirituality Education Foundation, is located on Jalan Tukad Yeh Aya No. 108, Panjer Village, South Denpasar.

The institution offers four levels of education, ranging from kindergarten, elementary, junior high, to senior high school, and has been operating since 2007.

Board Advisor of the Bali Dharma Science and Spirituality Education Foundation, I Made Dedi Raharja, said the school aims to provide the best educational services while emphasizing both academic achievement and universal spiritual values.

“From an educational perspective, we believe it is very important for the younger generation to receive the best educational services. Our curriculum does not only focus on academics, but also emphasizes universal spiritual values that can be applied and accepted by many people. We are not exclusive, but inclusive,” he said.

During the meeting, he was accompanied by School Principal Ni Putu Sukanasih and Vice Principal for Public Relations Isdhewani Anressyangsia.

According to Dedi Raharja, the educational concept implemented at the school adopts a holistic education experience, where the school is designed to be a comfortable and enjoyable place for students, similar to the educational vision introduced by Indonesian education figure Ki Hajar Dewantara.

“A school should be like a garden, a beautiful place where a big family cares for and loves one another. We strive to ensure this concept is not just a slogan but is truly practiced in daily activities, from the moment students arrive at school until they return home,” he explained.

Through this approach, the school hopes to produce students who are not only academically capable but also possess strong character and spiritual values that will guide them throughout their lives.

The school also provides wider access to education for the community through scholarship programs and inclusive education initiatives.

Dedi Raharja added that the institution accepts children with special needs through an inclusive education system.

“In addition to scholarships, we also run an inclusion program for children with special needs. They receive special learning assistance from tutors. Usually one tutor assists a maximum of two children, and if their condition allows, they will later join regular classes,” he said.

The program is also supported by professional psychologists who assist in the learning process for students with special needs.

Currently, the Bali Dharma Science and Spirituality Education Foundation has around 45 teachers and educational staff, with a total of 325 students across all levels of education.

Most students are enrolled in kindergarten and elementary levels, while at the junior and senior high school levels the institution provides education subsidies covering around 30 percent of the total students.

However, the foundation acknowledged it still faces various challenges, particularly in funding the school’s operational needs.

“Every educational idea and plan requires funding. Therefore, we appeal to donors who have the means to become foster parents for students in need,” Dedi Raharja said.

According to him, the foster parent program has been running but has not yet reached all students who require assistance. The school continues to seek support through voluntary donations.

In the future, the foundation hopes to expand cooperation with various stakeholders, including the government and the media, to broaden access to education for the community.

“We are open to collaboration with various stakeholders. If there are students who need educational assistance, we are ready to help. We also hope the media can help convey this information to the public,” he concluded. (FF)