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Dentist seeking justice: 'I have proven that I can work well even in a wheelchair'
The 2016 Disability Law stipulates that state-owned enterprises (BUMN) must reserve 2 percent of the jobs they offer for diffabled workers, while private companies must reserve 1 percent.
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Dentist Romi Syofpa Ismael poses for a photo at the office of the Padang Legal Aid Institute. Romi, who has been on duty in a remote area in West Sumatra for the past four years, is having trouble securing permanent employment because of her disability. (JP/Syofiardi Bachyul Jb)
D
espite many campaigns for disability inclusion, which is supported by several laws, people with physical limitations — sometimes called diffabled (different abilities) — are still struggling to secure employment.
The 2016 Disability Law stipulates that state-owned enterprises (BUMN) must reserve 2 percent of the jobs they offer for diffabled workers, while private companies must reserve 1 percent.
However, the case of Romi Syofpa Ismael, 33, a dentist at the Talunan community health center (Puskesmas) in South Solok regency, West Sumatra, has shown that disability inclusion in Indonesia is still far from ideal.
Romi has been denied her credible civil servant (ASN) over her physical limitation.
The dentist was the top performer of a screening test held by the regency administration in December last year. However, a South Solok regental decree declaring that she was eligible for ASN status was revoked after the administration learned about her disability and doubted her capacity as a certified dentist.
In Indonesia, medical doctors, including dentists, must first pass a screening test held by their respective local governments before they can seek employment at public hospitals and Puskesmas.
In an attempt to seek support for her legal endeavor to win both recognition of her proven capacity and status as a credible civil servant, Romi has been on a road show in Jakarta.
