MAKASSAR (14 October 2023) - Gala Dinner of ASEAN High Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025 was spectacular. The spotlight was on the special performance of Cahaya Mutiara Ubud Foundation which performed "Puspanjali Dance" in the courtyard of the historic Front Rotterdam fort, Tuesday (10/10) evening.

The contortions of the hands and rolling of the eyes typical of Balinese dances performed by dancers in wheelchairs amazed the delegates.  They were enchanted.  Not wanting to miss this beautiful moment, the guests stopped their activities for a moment.  They didn't touch the food and drinks served on the table for a moment to see the very enchanting attraction.

Every figure displayed by persons with disabilities looks in tune with the rhythm of the music and is full of meaning.  The dance depicts the friendliness of the Indonesian people to the ASEAN delegation.

The puspanjali dance is not only an artistic performance, but also a symbol of welcoming and respecting guests.  One of the dancers from Cahaya Mutiara Ubud Foundation who performed in a wheelchair was Ratni (29).  The 29 year old woman danced beautifully and aesthetically in a typical Balinese dancer's outfit which was dominated by golden yellow.  Her movements are very charming.  Her hands up to her shoulders were very skilled and flexible in demonstrating the dance choreography.  Her face never stopped smiling. Showing a happiness.

Ratni, who has been involved in dancing for 14 years, is very happy to have received the trust of Ministry of Social Affairs as the host to perform this dance in front of the ASEAN delegation.  There were around 200 guests from 13 countries attending the event.

"I'm very happy because not everyone can take part in this rare moment," said Ratni beamingly. Moreover, apart from being able to dance according to her hobby, Ratni can meet other persons with disabilities from both Indonesia and other countries.

Ratni hopes that more persons with disabilities will be featured in similar events.  “Activities like this increase the self-confidence of friends with disabilities.  "Apart from that, art attractions also show the wider community that persons with disabilities are capable as long as they are given trust and opportunities," said Ratni.

Wayan Damai, Ratni's colleague at the foundation also has an equally important role.  The 46-year-old man uses a wheelchair to support his activities and cannot express his feelings when appearing at this international event.  "More than just happiness. There is an opportunity to meet many friends with disabilities and share good news with other (persons with disabilities)," said Damai.

He also expressed his grateful to Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini and the organizers who have given persons with disabilities the opportunity to shine on the international stage.

The role of Cahaya Mutiara Ubud Foundation is not only limited to performances.  By appearing on the international stage, they are committed to encouraging persons with disabilities to be more able to actualize themselves.  They believe that persons with disabilities who have good skills and knowledge will be ready to contribute more to society, meet more people and express opinions.

Gala dinner event which was part of the ASEAN High Level Forum series became a window that introduced the rich culture of the archipelago to the world.  The puspanjali dance is one of 18 dances performed to promote traditional values ​​and disability inclusion.

By the spirit of inclusion, participation of persons with disabilities in international forums provides more opportunities for persons with disabilities to shine and share cultural riches with the world.  "They may be disabled, blind or physically, but that doesn't mean they can't work and be successful. If they are handled seriously and given opportunities, they can even surpass people who are said to be normal," said Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini.