Work Visit to Makassar, Minister of Social Affairs Checks Venue Readiness Ahead of AHLF Meeting on Persons with Disabilities

MAKASSAR (6 September 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini checked the readiness of the venue for the meeting of ASEAN high officials and partners on persons with disabilities in Makassar. The international agenda entitled ASEAN High-Level Forum (AHLF) on Enabling Disability and Partnership Beyond 2025 will be held on October 9-11, 2023.

The plan, the Minister of Social Affairs will introduce the Technical Service Unit (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Makassar, namely Sentra Wirajaya to the delegates of ASEAN countries. One of the functions of Sentra Wirajaya is to provide social rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. In addition, the Minister of Social Affairs specifically chose Fort Rotterdam as a gala dinner venue.

"We will add some access at Fort Rotterdam, especially related to access for people with disabilities," said the Minister on the sidelines of her activities at Sentra Wirajaya, on Wednesday (6/9).

The Minister said that her party would make facilities friendly to people with disabilities, such as making special toilets. This is important to provide comfort for the participants during the conference and show the world that Makassar people are a civilized society that respects the rights of people with disabilities.

The AHLF event is also a momentum to show the international community about the tourism potential in the City of Daeng which is not only famous for its panoramic views but also its distinctive culinary tourism. "We have to show it, who knows later the delegates will want to bring their family here, after the event," said the Minister to Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto.

The AHLF event on Enabling Disability and Partnership Beyond 2025 will be attended by 200 participants from representatives of ASEAN Sector Bodies, ASEAN affiliated organizations, organizations for persons with disabilities, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and academics.

The implementation of the 2023 AHLF in Makassar was carried out in line with the review or "midterm review" (Midterm Review of AEM 2025) of commitments and concrete efforts in mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities that have been running so far.

The AEM (ASEAN Enabling Masterplan) is linked to ASEAN's common agenda until 2030 and takes concrete steps together to create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. The Joint Commitment is based on eight (8) basic principles: 1) respect for the inherent dignity, and autonomy of the individual including freedom to make one's own choices and independence; 2) non-discrimination; 3) Full and effective participation and inclusion in society; and 4) Respect for Difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.

Other basic principles are 5) Equality of opportunity; 6) Accessibility; 7) Equality between men and women; and 8) Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identity.

In addition, the meeting will also affirm the strengthening of cooperation in the Southeast Asian Region through the projection of effective cooperation and partnership on disability-inclusive development issues.

In addition to a series of meetings, delegates will also witness exhibitions. The type of exhibition prepared is an exhibition of assistive technology and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. Here, exhibitors can provide information and demonstrate the use of assistive technology and accommodations such as Tune Map (a map application for the visually impaired), Adaptive Cane, and Difalink (a job vacancy information platform specifically for colleagues with disabilities through the Internet).

There was also a disability art festival. Here, a Disability Arts Festival-themed booth or stand was built featuring various content, information, and activities focused on promoting the arts, disability awareness, and inclusion.

There is also disability entrepreneurship. Exhibitors displayed disability entrepreneurship products from various sectors, such as arts and crafts products, fashion and accessories, food, and so on. No less interesting, the production of people with disabilities was also organized.