JAKARTA (December 25, 2024) – Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has pioneered a Text-to-Voice Computer-Assisted Competency Test (CACT) for visually disabled State Civil Apparatus (ASN). This marks a historic milestone for ministries. The talent pool (competency assessment) was conducted in the Assessment Room on the 7th floor of the Cawang Kencana Building, East Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

MoSA collaborated with the State Civil Apparatus Agency (BKN) to create innovative technology that ensures equitable career development opportunities for visually disabled employees. This initiative demonstrates MoSA's commitment to fostering an inclusive and discrimination-free workplace.

The talent pool was overseen directly by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf and Acting Head of BKN, Haryomo Dwi Putranto.

“This is a significant moment for inclusivity and equality for visually disabled ASNs within MoSA. Moreover, MoSA is the first ministry to implement such a program,” said Minister Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul.

Gus Ipul further explained that the implementation of Text-to-Voice CACT aligns with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita vision, which emphasizes strengthening human resource development, science, technology, education, health, sports achievements, gender equality, and empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“This is a follow-up to Law No. 20 of 2023 on State Civil Apparatus, which mandates competency mapping for all State Civil Apparatus to support their career and interest development,” added Haryomo.

Haryomo explained that the technology was developed at MoSA's request, in response to challenges in conducting competency assessments for visually disabled individuals.

“This is a historic moment, as MoSA becomes the first ministry to implement competency assessments for visually disabled ASN using Text-to-Voice CACT technology,” Haryomo stated.

MoSA emphasized its role as a pioneer in promoting equality among ASNs. The Text-to-Voice CACT competency assessment is a concrete implementation of various regulations, including Law No. 19 of 2011 on the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, Law No. 20 of 2023 on State Civil Apparatus, and Regulation No. 3 of 2020 on Talent Management for State Civil Apparatus.

Text-to-Voice CACT enables visually disabled employees to access competency test questions using text-to-voice technology, allowing them to take the test without any accessibility barriers.

“This talent pool initiative with this technology is essential, considering that MoSA has 61 employees with disabilities, including 27 visually disabled individuals currently participating in the CACT,” Gus Ipul said while reviewing the assessment process.

He highlighted that this step is part of efforts to foster equality among the ASNs.

"We are extremely delighted to be the first ministry to implement Text-to-Voice CACT for visually disabled ASN. Our collaboration with BKN demonstrates that career equality is a right for all ASNs, without exception,” he added.

As a strategic partner, BKN played a crucial role in enabling the successful implementation of Text-to-Voice CACT. This technology has been academically validated and is intended to improve information accessibility, provide equal learning opportunities, reduce dependency on external assistance, increase independence and confidence, and promote continual competency improvement.

This initiative significantly impacts not only visually disabled ASNs but also MoSA as a whole. The technology creates opportunities for professional advancement without prejudice, improves employee capabilities, and boosts organizational performance.

MoSA hopes this initiative will inspire other ministries and agencies. “We want this step to become a national standard, ensuring that all visually disabled ASN across ministries and agencies have equal opportunities to grow and contribute,” Gus Ipul said.

Haryomo, the Acting Head of BKN, also expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “The collaboration between MoSA and BKN in implementing Text-to-Voice CACT is a testament to our commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality among ASN. We believe this will pave the way for more similar breakthroughs in the future," he stated.

MoSA illustrates that inclusivity is more than just a vision by implementing Text-to-Voice CACT. Both sides hope that this technology will be used by other ministries and agencies to ensure that visually disabled ASNs have equal opportunities to #WorkEqually and fully contribute to the nation.

With this initiative, MoSA demonstrates that collaboration and innovation can result in an inclusive, empowering, and equitable work environment for all.