Social Affairs Minister Appreciates 105 Disability Person Performer Welcoming the HLIGM FRPD Delegates 2022

Jakarta (October 21, 2022) - Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia, Tri Rismaharini completed her commitment to give an opportunity and support for persons with disabilities. Not less than 105 persons with disabilities had a chance to show their skills in front of a High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on The Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (HLIGM APDPD) 2022 delegates from 64 countries in the Gala Dinner event, Thursday (20/10).

This event was held at the head office of the Ministry of Social Affairs and showed off some traditional dancing and music from some regions, such as Jawa, Bali, and Sumatra. The energetic movement from the persons with disabilities attracted all of the invitees.

They consist of various kinds of disabilities, such as deaf, speech disability, intellectual, blind, physical disability, persons with mental illness, and persons with mental problems. However, their condition might not be their barrier to harmonizing with the movement, rhythm, and feeling.

“I didn't think it turned out so interesting. They did very well. It doesn't mean that non-disabled people can collaborate that well," said the Minister of Social Affairs during a press conference (20/10).

In between the flashing of lights and the accompaniment of gamelan and percussion music, each group of dancers took turns filling the stage with slick choreography following the rumbling rhythm of music played by people with disabilities. The happy smiles of the performers showed even more when the invitees applauded their performance and joined the dance stage together.

The dance, which was presented at the gala dinner with the HLIGM-FRPD delegation, added new optimism for people with disabilities to learn from each other and collaborate within their limitations.

"Some of them are deaf and have Down syndrome but they can easily understand the rhythm beat. Although sometimes there is a position movement then they can immediately know about blocking,” Risma added.

Various dances presented by persons with disabilities, such as Puspawresti Dance, Wirata Dance, Percussion, Badaya Wayang Dance, Saman Dance, Dindin Badindin Dance, Payung Dance, Gandrung Kipas Dance, and Reog.

Each dance has its meaning. For example, Saman Dance, Rotoeh Jaroe, Ratoeh means saying or talking, and Jaroe means fingers. This dance means to sing poetry or to tell a story accompanied by snapping fingers. Beside, there is Gandrung Kipas. Gandrung means being a fan of Dewi Sri or Dewi Padi or the Rice Goddess that gives prosperity to a community. That is why this dance was presented after a large amount of harvesting, as a sign of gratitude to Dewi Sri.

Nadia (16), a deaf girl from Inclusive Kampung Banyuwangi, one of the dancers of Gandrung Kipas Dance said that she is very happy to be participating in this big event.

“I’m happy to be here and meet so many friends from other regions. They are from Surabaya, Bandung, and East Java,” said Nadia in sign language.

Besides dances, the gala dinner also presents disabled singers and the archery atlet.

Those various art performances not only introduced the richness of Indonesian culture to the delegates but also showed that the inclusion of disabled people can give shade to Indonesian culture.

The Social Affairs Minister invites all of the world community to continuously promote, protect, and ensure human rights fulfillment and persons with disabilities freedom.

“We have to widen the access of education and health care for persons with disability, investing in universal infrastructure, deepening financial inclusion, work employment equality, and meaningful participation,” said the Minister.

The Social Affairs Minister added that all governments in the world should have effective social security programs to protect all of the vulnerable people and ensure the fundamental aspect by expanding the necessities service for persons with disabilities. 

The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Social Affairs provides opportunities for persons with disabilities by optimizing their skills. Persons with disabilities are given entrepreneurship training to offer them an independence opportunity.

In between these training, persons with disabilities are given some training skills such as assembling adaptive sticks and wheelchairs for cerebral palsy that was done at the "Inten Soeweno" Integrated Center. in Cibinong In addition, they can also give good practice and strengthen other persons with disabilities. 

HLIGM-APDPD 2022 which is held in Indonesia is expected to strengthen a further commitment of countries in the world, especially in the Asia-Pacific region to protect and fulfill disability rights.

Public Relation Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs