MAKASSAR (11 October 2023) - The ASEAN High Level Forum discussed three points or omnibus interventions to fulfill disability rights, Wednesday (11/10) in Makassar.  This formulation strengthens commitment and collaboration between countries in supporting the fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities and creating an inclusive environment.

These three important points were discussed in the ASEAN High Level Forum on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnerships beyond 2025 or the ASEAN High Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025. This international activity taking place from 10-12 October and was attended around 200 participants from 13 countries : ASEAN member countries, the United States, Australia, and England.  The participants in this forum consisted of ministers and ASEAN senior officials responsible for social welfare, ASEAN affiliated entities and partners as well as academics.

The three main points formulated include, first, the existence of a common goal and strong affirmation from ASEAN member countries to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, through national and regional steps, amidst various challenges and limitations, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, the importance of close collaboration and partnership, not only within ASEAN member countries, but also outside ASEAN.  Especially to ensure that ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the three pillars is implemented consistently.

Third, a commitment to increasing the role and ensuring full participation of persons with disabilities.

The above formulation is summarized from various implementations of fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities that have been carried out by ASEAN member countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Singapore, and Timor Leste.  These countries show that disability inclusion is a priority in state administration.

Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, as the organizer of the ASEAN High Level Forum on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025, appreciated the enthusiasm of the countries present to realize inclusive disability.  "I am proud of the enthusiasm and energy in this room which brings us together to ensure ASEAN disability-inclusive development movement, from ASEAN member countries, ASEAN partners, as well as organizations of persons with disabilities," said Risma.

 Inclusive infrastructure

In this international forum, the General Chair of the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities, Norman Yulian, said that persons with disabilities are left behind, among other things, because of inadequate infrastructure.  Therefore, this forum marks a joint commitment to building a more inclusive infrastructure for disabilities.

“We feel that the Indonesian government is very serious about realizing an inclusive Indonesia.  "The involvement of disability organizations in this forum shows that the Indonesian government wants to hear the aspirations of persons with disabilities and then talk together about a disability-friendly Indonesia," continued Norman.

Norman hopes that, apart from the government which has made efforts to create an inclusive Indonesia, other sectors including the workforce, will also work together to create an inclusive Indonesia.  The forms include providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to work, create, and actualize themselves.

So far, to fulfill disability rights, Ministry of Social Affairs has made several policies including community, family and residential based social rehabilitation services;  various integrated interventions such as entrepreneurship support;  as well as providing assistive devices for disabilities.

As of September 2023, Ministry of Social Affairs has distributed Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) for Persons with Disabilities worth IDR 147.7 billion to 49,088 Social Welfare Service for Persons in Need (PPKS).  Apart from that, there is also special literacy for persons with disabilities worth IDR 2.2 billion to 33,950 PPKS and accessibility aids for persons with disabilities worth IDR 54.7 billion which are implemented in 31 work units under the Ministry of Social Affairs.