1,000 Persons with Disabilities Sign Proclamation, Break MURI Record
A total of 1,000 persons with disabilities read the text of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia using sign language at the Zero Kilometre Point in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. The action successfully broke a record held by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) while conveying a message about equality and the involvement of persons with disabilities in national life.
Vice Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) KGPAA Paku Alam X stated that the activity deserved appreciation for presenting the spirit of independence through an inclusive method. “Today we witnessed the reading of the proclamation text using sign language by a thousand persons with disabilities. This is certainly an initiative that is very worthy of our shared appreciation,” said Paku Alam X in Yogyakarta on Wednesday afternoon.
According to him, achieving a record was not the main objective of the activity. What was more important was the message conveyed through the reading of one of the most historic texts for the Indonesian nation. When the proclamation text is presented using sign language, Paku Alam X noted, the public does not merely witness the translation of words into movements and signs. The activity simultaneously demonstrates that national values and the spirit of independence belong to all citizens.
“What is emphasised is that national values, the spirit of independence, and space for participation in communal life must be accessible to all citizens without exception,” he said. The presence of 1,000 persons with disabilities in Yogyakarta’s public space also carried special meaning ahead of the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Independence is not only interpreted as the nation’s freedom from colonialism, but also the opening of equal opportunities for all citizens. Sign language in the activity served as a bridge to convey the national message more inclusively. The Proclamation text, which has so far been synonymous with verbal reading, was presented through visual expression so that the spirit contained within it could be celebrated together.