Buleleng Regency Strengthens Sign Language Ecosystem, Bengkala Village Becomes Model for National Inclusion
The Buleleng Regency Government has emphasised its commitment to strengthening an inclusive sign language ecosystem to guarantee access to public services for individuals with hearing impairments. This commitment was conveyed by the Assistant for Governance and People’s Welfare of the Buleleng Regency, Putu Ariadi Pribadi, during a virtual Focus Group Discussion (FGD) regarding policy recommendations for the development of a disability sign language ecosystem.
The FGD, organised by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, is part of the process of drafting national policy recommendations for strengthening the sign language ecosystem in Indonesia. Buleleng Regency was chosen as one of the national study locations because it is recognised for its community-based inclusive practices, particularly through Bengkala Village, famously known as ‘Desa Kolok’.
Speaking on Saturday, 16 May 2026, Putu Ariadi Pribadi asserted that the development of inclusive public services must be a shared priority among all stakeholders. He noted that sign language is not merely a communication tool but a vital component in fulfilling the fundamental rights of citizens to achieve equal access across various service sectors.
“The Buleleng Regency Government fully supports efforts to strengthen the sign language ecosystem as part of inclusive and equitable regional development. People with hearing impairments must have the same space to access public services and participate in social life,” he stated.
He added that the existence of Bengkala Village serves as a tangible example of how a community can naturally build an inclusive communication system through the use of the local sign language, ‘kata kolok’, in daily life. “Bengkala demonstrates that social inclusion can grow from culture and community awareness. This serves as both a strength and an important lesson for the development of sign language policies at the national level,” he said.
Furthermore, Putu Ariadi expressed hope that the results of the FGD would serve as a foundation for drafting more adaptive policies that favour the deaf community. He also encouraged all Regional Government Organisations (OPD) to strengthen cross-sector coordination to ensure that inclusive public services are realised within Buleleng Regency. “Inclusive development is not enough through regulation alone; it must be realised through services that are truly accessible to all members of society without exception,” he emphasised.
The forum aims to gather data, best practices, and various challenges regarding the provision of accessible communication services for the deaf in regional areas. Through this activity, the Buleleng Regency Government hopes to contribute to the formulation of national policy recommendations while strengthening its commitment to providing public services that are friendly to persons with disabilities.