Disabled people call for better facilities, equality

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hundreds of people with a variety of disabilities had their own day on Sunday in anticipation of International Day of the Disabled, while reminding the public of their presence and asking for improved awareness.

Organizing committee chairwoman Hartati said the event was intended to develop greater public awareness and consideration of people with disabilities.

"We want the public to be more aware of the presence of differently abled people and, at the same time, urge the government to provide better access at public facilities.

"The event is also intended to build a greater sense of solidarity, both between people with disabilities and between them and the community," she said in a prepared statement.

International Day of the Disabled will be observed on Dec. 3.

The event was organized by the Laetitia Blindness Bureau of the Daya Dharma Institution (LDD), a body that falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakarta Archdiocese.

The event, held for the second time, took place at the southwestern corner of National Monument (Monas) park, Central Jakarta.

Event spokeswoman Mimi Mariani told The Jakarta Post that although there already existed regulations concerning the welfare of people with disabilities, the government had yet to fully apply them.

"We already have Law No. 4/1997 on people with disabilities and Government Regulation No. 43/1998 on increasing the social well-being of people with disabilities.

"But we have yet to see concrete action spearheaded by the government," she added.

The law, according to Mimi, stipulated that every company should employ, as 1 percent of the total employees, people with disabilities.

"But the target is difficult to achieve, as many companies say it is difficult for them to recruit people who are not physically and mentally able.

"People with disabilities have proved that they can be as productive as the able-bodied," she said.

Mimi is blind but still manages to lead an independent, productive life. She works at the Laetitia Blindness Bureau and is also a theology lecturer at the School of Teaching and Pedagogy at Atmajaya University.

Mimi acknowledged that people with disabilities needed special facilities in order to compete on equal terms in employment and education.

"How can we achieve such equality if no facilities, such as special ramps and lifts, are built for us?

"Such facilities are not only useful for people with disabilities but also pregnant women and those who have suffered a stroke," she said.

On Sunday, people with a variety of disabilities from 12 institutions marched in groups early in the morning from Monas to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and back again.

Wheelchair users found the going easy, while a group of blind people had to walk in close formation, holding hands, with assistance from volunteers.

As the last participants to return to Monas, the latter group received a warm welcome from both other participants and organizers alike.

"Such an event is useful, as people with disabilities also need to be able to leave their house or dormitory," said Mimi.

"They can boost their self-confidence by taking part in activities outside their homes."

Mimi added that it was also a good experience for their families as they could meet other families in a similar position.

There is no precise data on the extent of disability in Indonesia. Various sources estimate the total number of those with disabilities as ranging from 6.3 million to as high as 20 million.