Parliamentary Member: Cross-sector Collaboration Essential for Disability Services
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Novita Hardini, a member of Commission VII of the Indonesian Parliament, has emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure services for persons with disabilities, including both children and their families.
According to her, bringing services for persons with disabilities, such as therapy centres, closer to communities makes it easier for them to access these services without having to travel far from their regions.
“I want to ensure that this therapy centre is truly utilised by the community. This is one of the efforts so that children can receive therapy services that are closer and more accessible,” Novita said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
She conveyed this message during a visit and consultation with families of persons with disabilities in Panggul District, Trenggalek, East Java, on Sunday (15 March).
She highlighted the existence of Rumah Terapis Bina Permata in Panggul District, which was established in response to the aspiration that people would not need to travel far to seek therapy services outside their region.
According to her, cross-sector collaboration ensures that services for persons with disabilities truly operate optimally.
The East Java politician also called on village and sub-district governments as well as relevant agencies to be more active in collecting data and responding to community needs, particularly vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
She emphasised the importance of protecting children from various forms of violence, whether physical, psychological, or digital.
“We must ensure that no one walks alone. The state must be present, and we all must look after one another,” she said.
Additionally, during this Ramadan period, Novita called on the community to strengthen care and support for children with disabilities and their families.
The female legislator, the only one from Electoral District 7 in East Java, said that every person possesses their own unique qualities.
According to her, perfection is not always measured by physical condition, but by sincerity of heart and spirit of life.
“The brothers and sisters here are not ‘lacking’, but simply different in an extraordinary way. Every human being is created with their own light,” she said.
She also paid tribute to parents who patiently accompany their children. According to her, the love and sincerity of parents represent a remarkable form of dedication and worship.
“Mother and Father are true heroes. The patience and love given to children is a great lesson for us all about the meaning of genuine compassion,” she said.
During the event, she also distributed basic food assistance to the families present as a symbol of care and solidarity during Ramadan. Although modest in value, the assistance was a sign of her affection as part of one family.
“I hope the spirit of mutual cooperation and social care continues to grow within society, particularly in supporting children with disabilities so they remain confident and have a bright future,” said Novita.