MAKASSAR (10 October 2023) - The attractions of around 100 dancers and musicians with disabilities from various regions in Indonesia, amazed delegates from 13 countries who attended the ASEAN High Level Forum on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025 or in Makassar, Tuesday evening (10/10).  Attractions of dances, songs, puppets, and traditional music arranged in a medley were displayed at Gala Dinner taking place at Fort Roterdam, Makassar.

Fort Rotterdam is an inheritance from Gowa-Tallo Kingdom which was built in 1545. Even though it is more than 500 years old, this three-hectare fort surrounded by seven-meter high walls is still sturdy and beautiful.  Several buildings in the fort, which during the VOC era were used as spice warehouses, are very well maintained.  The garden and lights are very neatly and beautifully arranged.  This fort is also equipped with various facilities that are friendly for persons with disabilities.

It was in this place that Gala Dinner was held to welcome around 200 participants from 13 countries participating in the AHLF on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership beyond 2025.

AHLF is a forum consisting of ministers and ASEAN senior officials responsible for social welfare.  Also present were leaders of sectoral bodies related to social welfare, ASEAN affiliated entities, and academics.  AHLF 2023 is one of a series of ASEAN Summits under the chairmanship of Indonesia.  Apart from the 9 ASEAN member countries, delegates were also present from Timor Leste, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

In this artistic attraction, various persons with disabilities display their abilities.  Apart from persons with visual disabilities, there were also persons with hearing, speech, physical and intellectual disabilities.

The arts displayed include, for example, Padengan Dance from South Sulawesi, Tanggai Dance from South Sumatra, Barong Dance from Bali, Bambangan Cakil Dance from Central Java as well as other various dances from various regions of Indonesia.

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said, through the performance of this artistic attraction, persons with disabilities have proven that they are capable of carrying out any activity as long as they are given space and opportunity.  "Therefore equality, opportunity and inclusiveness need to be given to our brothers and sisters with disabilities as widely as possible," said Tri Rismaharini.

The artistic attractions displayed before the AHLF delegation totaled 116 people and more than 100 of them were persons with disabilities, including dancers, gamelan players, and puppeteers.  But there are also dances such as barong that are not performed by persons with disabilities.

Yusuf (20), a person with intellectual disability who also enlivened the arts attractions, conveyed his happiness.  This man, who often works as a parking guard on weekends, performed the Angngaru dance from Makassar.

 "I'm happy. I'm not afraid, I dare to appear in front of many people," said Yusuf, blushing.