KND: Drafting of National Education System Bill Must Involve Persons with Disabilities
The National Disability Commission (KND) believes that the drafting of the National Education System Bill (RUU Sisdiknas) must involve persons with disabilities and their respective organisations.
“There must be meaningful participation from persons with disabilities. The government is obliged to consult directly with persons with disabilities and their organisations, rather than engaging in mere tokenism,” stated KND member Rachmita Maun Harahap during a Public Hearing with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) regarding the Bill at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Monday.
Furthermore, the KND requested periodic evaluations of the implementation of inclusive education.
“Periodic evaluations are necessary to ensure effectiveness, not just for administrative purposes. Currently, there is no clear monitoring mechanism or national indicators. We propose that the central and regional governments conduct evaluations at least once every two years, using indicators such as the accessibility of educational units, the availability of reasonable accommodation, educator competence, and the effectiveness of disability service units,” said Rachmatia Maun Harahap.
“Persons with disabilities have the right to teach and lead. The state guarantees equal rights to serve as teachers or lecturers at all levels, as stipulated in Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities and Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),” added Harahap.
To this end, the commission proposed that the National Education System Bill include provisions for equal and non-discriminatory opportunities in recruitment, the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace, inclusive work environments, career development, and protection from professional discrimination.
Additionally, the KND encouraged the recognition of the professional organisation, the Indonesian Association of Disabled Lecturers (ADDI).
“ADDI, a professional organisation for lecturers with disabilities, is not based solely on identity, but serves as a partner in national educational development,” she concluded.