Stephanie's Achievements Revealed at HDI 2021

Writer :

Humas Ditjen Rehabilitasi Sosial

Editor :

Annisa YH

Translator :

Karlina Irsalyana

JAKARTA (December 2, 2021) - Her fingers pressed steadily on each piano key, playing the instrument Kiss The Rain by Yiruma, a Korean musician, composer, and pianist. This Surabaya-born woman immediately bewitched the audience, inviting admiration for her melodic cradle.

Another story of a great woman, said her mother, a special child from God. Stephanie Handojo (30 years), one of the persons with intellectual disabilities who have had some achievements since 2009.

He and his mother, Maria were presented at the 2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (HDI) held by the Ministry of Social Affairs to share inspiration with Acting Director General of Social Rehabilitation Harry Hikmat.

His early achievements were opened with the Muri Record for Children with Special Needs Who Played 22 Songs Non-stop with the Piano, in 2009 in Semarang, Central Java.

In 2010 she won the swimming achievement at the Singapore National Games. Then won a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece in 2011.

No less proud is Stephanie being one of the torch holders for the 2012 London Olympics in Nottingham. She was selected through the International Inspiration program selected by Unicef and the British Council, selected from 12 million children from 20 countries, Stephanie is the only child with special needs.

Her achievements continued to progress until she was awarded the 2017 National Outstanding Athlete from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), Won 1 gold medal in the single category and 1 silver medal in the double category in bowling at the 2018 National Sports Week (Pornas SOIna) and participated in the International Special Music & Art Festival, Pyongyang, South Korea in 2019.

Some achievements are recognized as inseparable from the role of family, Maria the mother revealed, since childhood she has been stimulating both fine and gross motor skills from Stephanie. This is important so that Stephanie can communicate.

"From the stimulation, Stephanie's potential and talents slowly became apparent. Starting from when I was introduced to mini piano keys at the age of 3. It turned out that she likes music. Finally, I called a piano teacher for her", said Maria when attending the Disabilities Show Day 2.

Then, he added, Maria was introduced to water at the age of 8 years. Stephanie began to like swimming and was able to take part in various prestigious national and international events.

Moreover, Maria revealed that Stephanie was a diligent and unyielding child. Muri's record in 2009 was also determined because of her hard work. "I practice 5 hours a day playing the piano. I am grateful for this perseverance," she said.

Stephanie is an example of inclusive leadership and participation following the theme of HDI 2021, namely Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities Towards an Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable World Order Post Covid-19.

"Those who are present here are people who have stepped far ahead and have become leaders in various fields. For example, Stephanie has shown her leadership with strong talents so that the world is trusted to carry the torch for the 2012 London Olympics", said Harry Hikmat at the Disabilities Show on the day of the Disabilities Show 2.

Harry added that the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, on various occasions conveyed a different point of view. Our efforts to respect, protect and fulfill the rights of persons with disabilities by giving them space that they are part of our lives.

"Let's start a big step in Indonesia. Inclusive understanding means that there is equality, not discrimination. Provide inclusive space to place their position as a subject," concluded Harry.

2021-12-03
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