Ministry of Social Affairs Supports Community Efforts to Achieve Equality for Persons with Disabilities

JAKARTA (August 9, 2020) - The Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari P. Batubara, attended the 31st Anniversary of the Special Olympics Indonesia (SOIna) virtually. This is a form of appreciation from the Ministry of Social Affairs for SOIna in advancing the quality of life and protection for Intellectual Disabilities, especially in the fields of sports and the arts.

"Happy 31st birthday to SOina. This is a mature age. The Ministry of Social Affairs not only supports administration, rules, and regulations, but also the Ministry of Social Affairs wants to contribute more to efforts 2 for equality of persons with disabilities, and the success of SOIna," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

In the future, the Minister of Social Affairs wants SOIna to host the World Summer Games. "The Ministry of Social Affairs will provide support. Even though you have limitations, this spirit must not have limitations, it must not hinder the enthusiasm of all of you," he added.

SOIna as a National and International organization has been recognized by the International Olympics Committee (IOC). SOIna strives for coaching and competition in the fields of sports and the arts for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PDI), the majority of whom are children and adolescents.

"The entire SOIna extended family is happy and joyful because of the presence of the Minister of Social Affairs, the Governor of Central Java, the President of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific, all SOIna administrators and athletes," said Warsito Ellwein, Chairman of SOina.

Warsito added that SOIna has big aspirations. "Our big goal is to change the way people think that PDI has special talents and great potential. So far this space has been closed. Many are still ashamed to present them in public," he said.

Warsito emphasized that from now on we should no longer be ashamed to give the widest possible space to those who have this special talent. In the future there will be extraordinary work that can improve the quality of life for all of us.

Through the Special Olympics movement, SOIna provides opportunities for PDI to perform, create and develop self-confidence, as well as participate in various sports and arts events. "How your special talent shows your uniqueness. They need to be cared for and supported," said Ganjar Pranowo, Governor of Central Java and the Honorary Council of SOIna.

The training and sports competitions for PDI residents, conducted by SOIna, not only provide continuous opportunities to build a healthy physique, but also show their courage, skills and abilities according to their talents.

"I always try to take part in SOIna's activities. Every time they appear, how proud and talented they are. I am proud and touched to see them because they get the world's attention," said Ganjar.

Hearing this, the Social Minister became even more excited. "Let's be excited to make our Nation proud. SOIna activists, all parties throughout Indonesia, we want to be involved so that SOIna can become the best organization among others," said the Social Minister.

On this occasion, the President of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, Dipak Natali expressed his pleasure. He also advised SOIna to continue the great work for the PDI in Indonesia.

"It feels great to be here to celebrate SOINA's 31st Anniversary. The program at SOIna is amazing, it has grown for more than 31 years. It is hoped that in the future the program at SOIna can involve other organizations to develop the community, so that it can be an example for the world," he said. .

The Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to work with SOIna. "Don't doubt the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment. We will definitely move together with SOIna. This is also a very extraordinary movement. It is our obligation to support the activities and events of SOIna's athletes," concluded the Social Minister.

This occasion also showed the achievements that have been achieved by children assisted by SOIna, one of which is Stefani Handoyo who is a World Youth Ambassador and was once entrusted with being the torch bearer of the 2012 Olympics in London, England

The event was also attended by the Director General of Social Rehabilitation of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs, Harry Hikmat, the Director of Social Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities, Eva Rahmi Kasim and the Assistant Deputy for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK), Ade Rustama. A total of 167 participants consisting of all SOIna administrators and athletes participated in celebrating SOIna's 31st Anniversary.