The ability of teachers to use sign-language in school is essential for effective communication with students according to established standards. This need inspired a team of Undiksha students to create a PKM-PM project titled “SiKober Program: Introducing Sign-Language with Moving Comics to Enhance Sign-Language Literacy for Inclusive Students at SDN 2 Bengkala.” The team led by Kadek Bisma Taruna Dalem, includes members Komang Ina Sekarini, Ketut Ari Sukra Darma, Luh Diah Mattria Sari, and I Putu Artha Widya Suputra and is supervised by Dr. I Wayan Widiana, S.Pd., M.Pd.
The implementation of this program is based on the limited mastery of the SIBI sign language among deaf students,which often results in communication challenges. These students primarily use local sign language or “kolok,” which they have used to communicate with their families from an early age. This reliance on local sign language frequently leads to misunderstandings between Kolok students and others, including teachers and the broader Bengkala Village community, who are more familiar with SIBI.
SIBI is the official Sign-Language standardized by the Indonesian government in Regulation No. 2 in 1989, with its dictionary formalized through Mendikbud decree No. 0161/U/299 on June 30, 1994. The team chose comics as the medium for its program, as deaf students generally have a preference for visual learning. The use of illustration and limited movement in the comics can effectively convey messages in a more engaging way. The program aims to provide a sustainable solution that will positively impact both deaf students and teachers at the inclusive school, SDN 2 Bengkala. By introducing sign language through moving comics, the project seeks to improve sign language literacy and bridge communication gaps within the school community.
