MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SLEMAN – TK ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal (ABA) Semesta, a new early childhood education institution in Ambarketawang, Gamping, Sleman, is expected to become a leading model of progressive kindergarten education as it prepares to begin operations in mid-2026.
The school recently underwent an official assessment visit by the Sleman District Education Office on Thursday (2/4), marking a key step toward its anticipated opening in late June or early July 2026.
Siti Noordjannah Djohantini, Chairperson of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah, said the establishment of TK ABA Semesta reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to advancing education in Indonesia.
“This initiative is part of ‘Aisyiyah’s broader mission to educate the nation,” she said. Moreover, she emphasized that the organization’s educational efforts have historically extended beyond institutional interests.
A Century-Long Commitment to Education
Tracing its roots back to 1919, Noordjannah noted that ‘Aisyiyah had already pioneered early childhood education through the establishment of the Froebel Kindergarten, long before Indonesia gained independence.
“We began not for Muhammadiyah or ‘Aisyiyah alone, but for the nation—at a time when it was not yet independent,” she said. In addition, she stressed that both Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah have consistently positioned themselves as partners to the government in promoting inclusive education.
According to Noordjannah, the presence of TK ABA Semesta represents a renewed effort to expand access to quality early childhood education while embracing innovation and progress.
“If ‘Aisyiyah advances, that progress is not for the organization itself, but for society as a whole,” she added.
Modern Facilities and Inclusive Design
The new kindergarten is part of a broader network of more than 20,000 TK ABA institutions across Indonesia. However, TK ABA Semesta stands out for its scale and facilities.
Built on a plot of more than 5,000 square meters, the school features a four-story building with over 6,000 square meters of floor space. It includes seven laboratory rooms, a library, a theater, a prayer room, playgrounds, a swimming pool, a mini zoo, urban farming areas, and even a parent lounge.
Furthermore, the school has a strong emphasis on child-friendly principles, ensuring safety, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Listiana Rahmawati, head of the Early Childhood Education and Community Education curriculum division at the Sleman District Education Office, highlighted the institution’s potential.
“There is tremendous potential in this TK ABA. Let us work together in synergy and collaboration, especially to advance early childhood education,” she said.
A Model for Future Kindergartens
Looking ahead, local authorities hope TK ABA Semesta will serve as a benchmark for progressive kindergarten education, particularly in improving the competence of educators in Sleman and the Gamping subdistrict.
At the same time, the school is to contribute to broader efforts to strengthen early childhood education systems in the region.
As preparations continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that TK ABA Semesta will not only meet expectations but also set a new standard for inclusive and forward-looking education in Indonesia.
