'They don't need pity, just facilities'<\/p>\n
Observers say a lack of public facilities makes Jakarta an urban
\nprison for people with disabilities. To commemorate the
\nInternational Day of Disabled Persons on Dec. 3, The Jakarta Post
\nasked people for their opinions on the issue.<\/p>\n
Bayu Satria, 25, works at a telecommunications company in
\nSouth Jakarta. He lives in Jatiwaringin, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I once saw a man in a wheelchair trying to get on a public
\nminivan. Even with the help of a friend it took him a long time
\nto get in. It must have been uncomfortable for him. I have also
\nseen people in wheelchairs at bus terminals, because of course
\nthey cannot just stop buses and board in the middle of the street
\nlike other people.<\/p>\n
It is really difficult for disabled people to get around
\nJakarta, and I do not think the administration has done enough to
\nmake their lives easier.<\/p>\n
I do not think they want special treatment or pity, just the
\nfacilities that they and others need, like nonslip ramps.<\/p>\n
Yunityasari, 24, works for an engineering company in Kebon
\nJeruk, West Jakarta. She lives in Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I do not think the administration spend any time thinking
\nabout the disabled. It is hard enough for non-disabled people to
\nwalk around in Jakarta, so you can imagine for the disabled.<\/p>\n
I think the private sector has more concern. For example, I
\nknow a private television station that offers operator jobs for
\nthe disabled.<\/p>\n
Jakarta's main roads offer better access for the disabled, but
\nmost disabled people do not live on the main roads. It is
\nimportant to improve access in areas on the outskirts of the
\ncity, where most people live.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/they-dont-need-pity-just-facilities-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }