Disabled to get services

Disabled to get services

JAKARTA: The government has ordered all operators of public
facilities, including railway stations, bus terminals, office
buildings and retail outlets to provide special facilities for
the disabled.

Speaking at a ceremony marking International Day of Disabled
Persons on Monday, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare
Jusuf Kalla said that the provision of the special facilities was
designed mainly to allow disabled people to enjoy facilities
similar to those provided to the rest of the population.

Jusuf reminded the audience that a campaign for the provision
of such facilities had previously been launched by former
president Abdurrahman Wahid in July last year.

The provision of the special facilities, which include special
roads and toilets, is covered in Law No.4/1997 on disabled
people.

The day was marked by the placement of stickers and banners
bearing the slogan, "Thank you for giving priority to the
handicapped, senior citizens and pregnant women" on public
vehicles, buses, mini vans and taxis.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of National
Education A. Malik Fadjar, Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar
Chamsyah and Manpower and Transmigration Minister Jacob Nuwawea.

Bachtiar explained that his ministry had a qualified training
center for the disabled in Cibinong, Bogor, which could be used
to teach disabled people any skill.

Data from the Ministry of Social Affairs show that the number
of disabled people in Indonesia currently stands at around 4.6
million. -- Antara