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Disabled is not a choice
Djoko WitjaksonoAlthough the final principle of the nationâs Pancasila philosophy is Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia [social justice for all citizens] this doesnât always get translated as State care for the disadvantaged and disabled
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Djoko Witjaksono
Although the final principle of the nation's Pancasila philosophy is Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia [social justice for all citizens] this doesn't always get translated as State care for the disadvantaged and disabled.
'It's a fine ideal, but there's a disconnect between the words and what happens in the field,' said physician and rehabilitation specialist Djoko Witjaksono.
'Many handicapped children don't get an education. In Indonesia the disabled are still considered different. We are behind world standards in providing opportunities for acceptance, training and employment.'
Djoko, who is also on the board of Malang's Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat [YPAC, Foundation for Educating Disabled Children] said there were only 17 YPAC branches in the nation. They were originally established to cater to polio victims, but now handle other impairments.
'Most disabled children suffer double handicaps ' physical and mental,' he said. 'We need at least one YPAC in every regency. That's 405. The leaders of the country should look at what's happening and respond. We have the resources. But it's not just a government issue ' families and society also needs to take ownership.'
Indonesian sidewalks show how the disabled are ignored ' many are full of holes and hazards. Then there are steep steps into shops and public buildings ' public toilets with narrow doors and no rails. How does anyone in a wheelchair or who uses crutches cope?
Ma Chung University, which does have disabled access to its buildings, joined with other donors to sponsor a seminar to mark YPAC Malang's 60th anniversary. Economic and business lecturer Hallie Sahertian brought four of his students to the event 'so they understand the issues in society'.
'Being disabled is not a choice,' he said. 'Part of citizenship is having social empathy. Education doesn't stop in class ' people need to know what's going on beyond their school and get involved.'
' Duncan Graham
