Kenneth: Persons with disabilities have equal rights to achieve their dreams

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Hardiyanto Kenneth, a member of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament (DPRD DKI), has affirmed that children with disabilities have the same rights to grow, learn and pursue their ambitions as any other children, and called on all elements of society to build an increasingly inclusive Jakarta.

“Children with disabilities never asked to be born with limitations,” said Kenneth during a constituency recess visit in Jakarta on Sunday.

He said what they need is merely equal opportunity, an environment that accepts them, and support so they can develop according to their potential.

He invited all elements of society to work together to build a more inclusive Jakarta.

In his view, an advanced city is not merely about tall buildings or grand infrastructure.

According to him, a truly advanced city is one capable of protecting and providing equal opportunities to all its residents.

“Including our brothers and sisters with disabilities,” he said.

He added that children with disabilities are not a burden. They are part of the nation’s future with extraordinary potential if given opportunity, guidance and affection.

“It is all our responsibility to ensure they grow up full of hope, not limitations,” he said.

Earlier, Kenneth inspected the construction of a water channel on Jalan Asia Baru Kepa Listrik RT 06 RW 04, Duri Kepa Urban Village, Kebon Jeruk Subdistrict, West Jakarta.

The visit was a follow-up to residents’ aspirations raised during the First Recess of the First Session of the 2025–2026 parliamentary term.

He said the water channel construction is expected to reduce flooding while improving the quality of the residential environment.

“For me, every community aspiration is a mandate that must be fought for until its benefits are truly felt. That is why I want to make sure the construction proceeds as residents hope,” he said.

During the visit, a resident named Handoyo approached him and described his family’s situation.

His wife is ill, while their child has a disability and requires assistive devices and support to carry out daily activities.

Hearing these concerns, the member of Commission C of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament immediately visited the family’s home and committed to helping them through channels consistent with government regulations.

“This is what I enjoy, because we can directly identify residents’ needs. We will facilitate the processing of a disability card, help procure a walking stick for walking practice and sunbathing, and look at other needs we can genuinely fight for,” he said.

According to him, the duty of a people’s representative does not stop at monitoring physical development, but must also extend to being present when the community needs assistance.

“When residents face hardship, especially children with disabilities, the government must be present. They must not feel alone. We must ensure their rights are fulfilled and they receive proper services,” he said.

“The assistance provided can ease that family’s burden, while serving as a reminder that every citizen deserves attention and services without discrimination,” he said.