Ministry of Social Affairs Facilitates ODGJ to Fulfill Voting Rights

JAKARTA (31 January 2024) – The Ministry of Social Affairs is trying to fulfill the rights of Social Welfare Service for Persons in Need (PPKS), including people with mental disabilities.  One of the fulfillment of rights realized by the Ministry of Social Affairs includes fulfilling the right to vote for People with Mental Disorders (ODGJ).

"A total of 31 centers and integrated centers spread throughout Indonesia are committed to fulfilling these rights," said Secretary of the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation Salahuddin Yahya in the Salemba 28 Forum Discussion held at the Ministry of Social Affairs Office, Wednesday (31/1) afternoon.

ODGJ are given the fulfillment of their democratic rights at the Ministry of Social Affairs through the assistance that has been provided so far.  "Mental assistance and psychosocial assistance are carried out so that their democratic rights are fulfilled, and they are not considered marginalized groups," said Salahuddin.

Fulfillment of the right to vote, said Salahuddin, was given to ODGJ who were declared eligible to take part in the democratic party according to the requirements and criteria set by the General Election Commission (KPU).  The Ministry of Social Affairs provides assistance for ODGJ who already have a Resident Identity Card (KTP) and are eligible to vote.  As for those who do not yet have an identity card, the centers and integrated centers will coordinate with the Population and Civil Registration Service (Disdukcapil) to record the KTP.

Furthermore, Salahuddin revealed that apart from upholding the fulfillment of rights as citizens, the Ministry of Social Affairs also ensures that there will be no pressure and coercion for ODGJ who want to give their voting rights.

"We pay attention to all corridors, all rules, all etiquette in voting.  The first principle is that we uphold that they exercise their right to vote as citizens of the Republic of Indonesia.  "Then secondly, there is no pressure, no coercion," continued Salahuddin.

Acting Director of Social Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities, Annie Martina Redjeki, added that several centers contribute to the democratic party, including by establishing a Polling Station (TPS), both in the center area and outside the center.

"Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center will be used as a TPS for people with disabilities and the elderly.  "Meanwhile at Budi Luhur Center in Banjar Baru, the TPS has been prepared outside and we, companions from the Ministry of Social Affairs, will deliver it," said Annie.

Annie added that the establishment of TPS was not a decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs alone but was the result of discussions with local village officials which ended with the decision to establish TPS in centers or integrated centers.