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