House approves disablility bill

JAKARTA (JP): Four factions of the House of Representatives yesterday approved the disability bill during a plenary meeting attended by Minister of Social Affairs Inten Soeweno.

The bill strives to guarantee the right of the country's disabled to equal access to education, employment and assistance.

Soeweno said the document would stipulate public and private sectors help provide access and support for the disabled to integrate into society, many of them facing unfavorable treatment in Indonesia.

The minister called on the government, the public and the disabled to integrate the bill into real life practices, although she acknowledged this would be a long process given the prevailing misconception people have about disability.

She said the government would adopt and enact the bill, but did not mention any timeframe.

According to the United Nations, there are 10 million disabled people in Indonesia. The Ministry of Social Affairs calculates the figure at three percent of the country's population of 200 million, bringing the number of disabled people to six million.

Under Article 27 of the bill, companies would be awarded for employing disabled people who have capabilities and qualifications that meet the companies' criteria.

The same award would be given to other institutes, the public and individuals, Inten said.

Article 14 stipulates equal employment opportunities for the disabled in private and state-owned companies in accordance with the type and degree of disability, education and capabilities matched with the employers' number of staff and qualifications.

Under Article 28, Chapter 7 of the bill, employers found intentionally violating Article 14 would be subject to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to Rp 200 million (US$ 83,612).

Soeweno said that administrative sanctions, regulated under Article 29, Chapter Eight, would be imposed on those who deny the disabled access to educational opportunities. She said the sanctions would vary according to their situations.

Dr. Muhsin of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, Y.B. Widjanjono of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction, Jusuf Talib of the dominant Golkar faction and Fadli Saadin of the Armed Forces (ABRI) faction each forwarded their approval of the bill.

Dr. J.K. Katili presided over the meeting, stating that 354 House members approved the bill from a total 497. (01)