Fidelis E. Satriastanti – Indonesian carrier Lion Air failed to turn up for a meeting with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Monday after complaints by five disabled customers.

Speaking at midday on Monday, Komnas HAM commissioners Saharudin Daming said it was apparent that Lion Air was a no-show, despite being asked to attend Monday's meeting seven days earlier.

Rina Prasarani, a blind woman who works in the hotel industry, is one of the five customers who lodged a complaint against the airline. She said she was disappointed that Lion Air failed to attend the meeting, saying it had been convened only to help the carrier improve its services.

"The idea is to improve [Lion Air's] service quality because if they could accommodate the needs of the disabled, it would automatically improve their services for non-disabled people," Rina said.

Rina was among the five people allegedly forced to sign a controversial letter before Lion Air would allow her to fly. The other alleged victims were Didi Tarsidi, Rianty Ekowaty and Sugiyo, who are all blind, and Ridwan Sumantri, who is confined to a wheelchair.

Ridwan has previously told media that he was denied a request to be have a seat near the door and that he had to be carried to his seat in the middle part of the plane. He was also asked to sign the letter agreeing that he would shoulder the medical costs of other passengers who fell ill because of him.

It is also alleged that Lion Air staff intimidated disabled customers into signing the documents. A Lion Air spokesman was quoted by Tempo Interaktiff as claiming they had not received the summons.