Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta – Questions have been raised on the rights of the disabled, but no special policies or concrete actions have yet been taken to empower the more than 1.48 million disabled people in this country.
The disabled have frequently been denied access to work in private companies and state institutions. Those who have found work in industries and the bureaucracy frequently face discrimination. Public places, buildings and transport facilities have yet to give special space to ensure equal treatment for all citizens, including the disabled.
Director General for Services and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Affairs Makmun Sunusi admitted disabled people have yet to receive the same treatment as other citizens. He said all stakeholders have yet to show commitment to empowering those suffering from disability.
"There is no single problem with the fundamental rights of the disabled. Many have spoken about their rights, but nobody apparently cares for their difficult condition. The government has included their rights in the law and even ratified several ILO conventions endorsing (disabled people's) rights to equal treatment in the workplace, payment and social security protection but (the government) and employers have yet to give adequate attention to empowering them," Makmun told a seminar here Wednesday.
He said the disabled should be given priority access to labor recruitment since many were economically poor and less educated, as well as suffering from physical disabilities.
"Disabled people's traditional role as masseurs should be changed that they can also do white-collar jobs in IT, electronics and other fields suitable to their physical condition," he said.
Data from the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry reveals that only 705 out of more than 1.4 million disabled people are employed in 79 private companies in nine provinces. None are employed in state institutions.
Law No. 4/1997 requires private companies and state institutions to give equal treatment to the disabled and that their employment be based on their education and skills.
The Director General of Labor Placement at the ministry, Myra M. Hanartani, said the empowerment of the disabled needed a national action plan from all stakeholders, particularly local governments and employers.
"Local governments and employers should play an active role in a national movement to empower the disabled," she said.
An interdepartmental team has been established under the coordination of the Ministry of Social Affairs for that purpose, but so far no concrete action has been taken.
Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno called on employers to hire at least one disabled person for every 100 able-bodied workers, to show their commitment to helping the disabled.
"The handicapped have the right to get jobs and adequate income, while state and private companies have an obligation to give equal treatment by employing them in accordance with their condition and competence," Erman said.