Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2021

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May peace be upon us,

Om swastiastu,

Namo buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Heads of State Institutions, Representatives of Friendly Countries and International Institutions, Ministers, Governors,
Honorable Persons with Disabilities,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

First and foremost, I would like to wish you a happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities last year, the Government improved a number of regulations related to the rights of persons with disabilities. This year, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is marked with the establishment of the National Disabilities Commission tasked to monitor, evaluate, and advocate for the exercise of rights of people with disabilities so that programs related to persons with disabilities can be identified systematically and measurably.

Let me also remind you that the establishment of regulations and committee to support persons with disabilities is crucial. However, that step alone is not enough. It is more important for us to implement the regulations. Enforcing regulations that have been formulated is no easy task, especially in these the difficult times amid the current pandemic, which has also impacted the economic power of persons with disabilities, especially those who work in the informal sector.

However, the challenges during the pandemic have also provided us with opportunities to create new innovations, including the transformation of policies and programs that ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I order related ministries / institutions and regional governments to continue creating innovations that aim to fulfill the right of persons with disabilities by involving families and communities and to carry out residential works integrated with various social welfare service programs.

The persons with disabilities must also be encouraged to use adaptive technology, including in the provision of assistive devices and business tools for persons with disabilities, be it wheelchairs, three-wheeled motorbikes, and adaptive guide sticks.

They can also be involved in productive activities, such as the assembly of wheelchairs, three-wheeled motorbikes, as well as in the making of adaptive guide sticks that provide rooms, opportunities, and accessibility to develop their potentials as important assets to help themselves, while contributing to the communities and the surrounding areas.

The persons with disabilities must also get priority in improving their abilities in formal and informal education, as well as in gaining access to continue upskilling and reskilling. They must also get opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship and continue to be facilitated and improved.

Capacity building of individuals with disabilities and strengthening the capacity of social institutions, cooperatives, and MSMEs that employ persons with disabilities must continue to be supported and provided with incentives.

Let me also remind you that commitment and service to persons with disabilities is a measure of a nation’s civilization. As a big nation, Indonesia must continue to improve its civilization.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.

(GWH/EP)