'Other countries show concern for disabled'

The government has stipulated that by the end of 2003, all government buildings must provide access for people with disabilities. However, people living with disabilities still struggle with discrimination, are unable to enjoy many public facilities or find meaningful work. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue.

Nina, 25, is a child psychologist who lives with her parents and elder sister in Cinere, south of Jakarta:

The facilities for the disabled are limited. The government should provide a special living allowance for them.

There are only a few places provided for the disabled to develop skills, and even when there is one, it is not of good quality. People often underestimate the talents and abilities of the disabled. These kinds of things make me pity them.

If we compare the facilities here with foreign countries'... Abroad they have all kinds of facilities. A public lavatory always includes a specially designed stall for people in wheelchairs, for example.

Hessy, 23, as an employee in a production house in Pancoran, South Jakarta, which produces a television show. She lives in Cawang, East Jakarta, with her parents:

I do think the city really lacks the facilities for disabled people. I've never seen a restroom in a mall or office designed specifically for the disabled, let alone the crosswalks or footbridges. The only place that has a few ramps and such is the international airport, I think, but anyway that is Banten province.

I guess it's because the administration doesn't have the money to build such facilities or merely doesn't really bother about the existence of disabled persons. Foreign countries have more concern and facilities for the disabled as far as I know.

I've never encountered, though, any physical discrimination against them. But have you ever seen any disabled person who runs a business? I haven't. I think it's a form of public ignorance about what disabled persons might have to offer.

--The Jakarta Post