Ninety-five rights groups across Indonesia have teamed up to voice their disappointment of a government plan to issue a single regulation detailing the mechanisms to protect disability rights demanded by the 2016 People With Disabilities Law
inety-five rights groups across Indonesia have teamed up to voice their disappointment of a government plan to issue a single regulation detailing the mechanisms to protect disability rights demanded by the 2016 People With Disabilities Law.
The main reason behind their disappointment is that they fear the proposed government regulation (PP), which they dubbed sapu jagat, or “one-size-fits-all” approach, will fail to cover the various complex issues related to disability rights that are under the jurisdictions of different government institutions.
“We believe it will make it more difficult for disabled people to access their rights,” Presti Murni Setiati from the Inclusive Public Center and Disability Advocacy Movement (Sigab) said in Yogyakarta on Thursday.
Sigab is among the 95 groups questioning the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities following its proposed one-size-fits-all policy.
It is believed this policy will only cover the tasks of the Social Affairs Ministry.
The People With Disabilities Law, enacted in April 2016 to replace an outdated 1997 law, gives the government two years to draw up regulations to provide legal bases and detailed mechanisms related to the protection of disability rights.
Although the 2016 law does not stipulate how many regulations are needed, the activists argue that in addressing disability rights, one size rarely fits all.
The government, they add, should draft at least seven regulations to sort through issues surrounding disability rights. They claim specific and differing regulations are needed for education services, legal assistance and job opportunities.
The seven regulations should also detail the tasks demanded of at least seven government institutions that oversee the issues.
“But the government is planning to issue just one regulation that will cover only the tasks of the Social Affairs Ministry,” Presti said. “It seems that the government is not serious in carrying out its responsibility [to protect disability rights].”
Representing Karina KAS, a Yogyakarta-based civil society group focused on social services, Pramono Murdoko fears that other government institutions might be reluctant to implement the 2016 law.
“Each ministry and institution should draft its own PP so that all areas related to the protection of disability rights can be covered,” Pramono said.
Other than Karina KAS, groups like Braille’iant Indonesia, Bunga Bali Foundation, the Sidorejo Disabilities Forum, the Yakkum Rehabilitation Center and the Situbondo Association for Deaf Persons are also among those who reject the plan.
Subroto, the Yogyakarta Social Affairs Agency’s disability division head, said he had yet to receive updates on the proposed regulation.
However, he ensured those concerned that the PP would fulfill the rights of disabled people.
“The PP will serve as the guideline to bind together all related institutions,” he said.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.