World Sign Language Day: A momentum to create an inclusive environment
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection hopes that the commemoration of International Day of Sign Languages will become a momentum to create an inclusive and disability-friendly environment, allowing children to grow in a safe, comfortable, and supportive setting for optimal development.
“Encouraging the creation of inclusive and disability-friendly environments within families, education, public services, and society, so that children can grow in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Titi Eko Rahayu, Deputy for Special Child Protection at KemenPPPA, during the “2026 International Sign Language Campaign” in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The Ministry is also encouraging increased capacity among the public and service providers to use and understand sign language, ensuring that communication barriers do not prevent children from accessing their rights and services.
Furthermore, the Ministry aims to ensure the meaningful participation of children with disabilities in development, including in various policies and programmes that directly affect their lives.
“Let us continue to build collaboration between the government, organisations for persons with disabilities, families, schools, educators, sign language interpreters, the community, the business world, the media, and all stakeholders,” said Titi Eko Rahayu.
The commemoration of International Day of Sign Languages is expected to be a momentum for all parties to learn and understand that every individual has a different way of expressing themselves.
“Sign language is a bridge. Communication is a right. Equality is a principle. And the protection of children with disabilities is our shared responsibility. Let us build an Indonesia that is increasingly inclusive, increasingly child-friendly, and increasingly capable of ensuring that every child, with all their diversity and potential, can grow, develop, participate, and achieve their future,” concluded Titi Eko Rahayu.