Ministry of Social Affairs Enlivens the Photo and Video Contest for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

JAKARTA (July 19, 2020) - Dharma Wanita Association (DWP) Advisor of The Ministry of Social Affairs of Indonesia, Grace Batubara, appreciated the Family Photo Competition and Video Competition for Children with Intellectual Disabilities in the commemoration of the National Children’s Day 2020. She considered this activity have a strategic meaning to improve the quality and protection for children with disabilities in Indonesia.

“I appreciate and give a high appreciation to the ‘Down Syndrome Caring Community’ which has organized this competition. I think this competition has a strategic meaning to support and advance the quality of life and protection for children with disabilities in Indonesia,” said Grace Batubara.

This competition was attended by 103 participant of the Family Photo Competition and the best 10 finalists were selected, 60 participant of the Video Competition for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (under 12 years old) were selected for the best 6 finalists and 40 participant of the Video Competition for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (over 12 years old) were selected for the best 6 finalists.

“The National Children’s Day (HAN) 2020 with the theme “Protected Children for Advance Indonesia” the participant who take part in the competition come from families throughout Indonesia who have Down Syndrome children.” said Maria Yustina, the KPDS administrator and the Head of the Competition Organizer.

Grace affirmed, that through this competition is possible to prove that intellectual disabilities such as Down Syndrome can have accomplishment too. “Today, we can prove together that Down Syndrome children can achieve and be creative and that is not inferior compared to the other children,” she exclaimed.

Furthermore, Grace added, not a few Indonesian Down Syndrome children have made the nation proud in various international events in fields of sports and art.

The Final of the Family Photo Competition and Video Competition for Children with Intellectual Disabilities presented competent judges in their fields, the judges is Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat; Director of Social Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities, Eva Rahmi Kasim; National Special School Dance Instructor, Erin Nurwantari; Supervisory Board of Special School, Susi Safrina Irawati; Psychologist and Lecturer, Meiske Y. Suparman and Art Observer, Eti Febrianti.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also gave prizes in the form of household appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines and fans. It is a form of appreciation from them for children who are full of creativity.

In addition, Grace Batubara expressed her happiness because she was able to meet special children and faimilies who were chosen in the care of children with special needs.

On the other hand, the government constantly working to remove the negative stigma against persons with disabilities. Through various policies and programs, it is build to take sides with the disability of various forms of disability, including for children with intellectual disabilities such as Down Syndrome.

Besides the government, support from various parties is also needed, as well as community participation, especially parents and families in helping childrens out of this negative stigma.

“The success of these children, of course, is very much determined by the role of parents and families. Care and nurturing and acceptance accompanied by love and affection,” concluded Grace.

This event also presented a special guest star, Ade Rai, an outstanding bodybuilder who is also a child observer. “An extraordinary family foundation so that our special children can be creative. I am very grateful to be able to see the artwork that displayed,” said Ade Rai.

This activity was also attended by goverment officials and private observers of children with disabilities from Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy for Thailand, the Indonesian Embassy for South Korea and NGO We Care Charity