An unusual sight was seen Thursday â dozens of motorcycles modified especially for the disabled were in the parking lot of the Annika Linden Center in Tohpati, Denpasar
n unusual sight was seen Thursday ' dozens of motorcycles modified especially for the disabled were in the parking lot of the Annika Linden Center in Tohpati, Denpasar.
The owners, a group of disabled people, were attending a workshop held by the Bali Police on how to obtain a driver's license.
Normally, obtaining a driver's license in Indonesia is relatively easy. However, for the disabled, numerous hurdles seem to always block their way, although a type-D license is available specifically for them.
'Finally, police officers are willing to come here and tell us how to obtain a driver's license, because it has been very difficult for us,' said I Wayan Damai, one of the workshop participants.
Damai reminisced that he was once scolded by officers when trying to apply for a license, as they thought he was pretending to be disabled and had deliberately modified his motorcycle to a three-wheeler with a carriage on the side.
The 2009 Traffic Law stipulates that there are eight types of driver's license, of which the type-D is designated for disabled people, who the law says have the same right to drive as everyone else.
Holders of this type of license are allowed to drive a car or motorcycle modified for disabled drivers. As with other licenses, it is renewable after five years and the applicants must pass several tests.
To obtain a license, a disabled citizen must submit a health certificate to indicate they are capable of driving. Along with that, they have to pass several tests, including sight, hearing and physical tests. Damai said that the definition and standards for the latter were still unclear for applicants.
Bali Traffic Police chief Sr. Comr. Benone Jesaja Louhenapessy expressed during the workshop his apologies on behalf of officers who had been rude to disabled applicants, saying that he would coordinate with relevant departments to address the issue.
Benone said that he would consult with medical police officers on standards for disabled citizens to obtain a driver's license. 'But remember, don't force yourselves to drive if you have poor eyesight because driving is something definite, not speculative.'
He hoped that Bali would later set an example to other provinces on this matter. For example, he mentioned that applicants might be obliged to undergo physiological and psychological tests to ensure their readiness to drive.
Sang Ayu Sujiati, a communicator for the participants, said that the deaf expressed their willingness to abide by the laws, but complained they faced a hard time getting a license.
'Although deaf, they don't have problems driving. They use hearing aids to help them hear horns when driving,' she said, adding that they really required a driver's license to help with their mobility.
Nengah Latra, chairperson of the Bali chapter of the Center for the Development of the Disabled (Puspadi), said that physically impaired citizens must be allowed to apply collectively to facilitate the process.
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