Jakarta - The Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Dr. Moeldoko reassures that the government will always grant the same access to education, health and jobs for people with disabilities amid the pandemic crisis.
Moeldoko conveyed the message through the Covid-19 Task Force’s virtual National Seminar entitled "Fulfillment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic" on Thursday (26/8).
Various studies have shown that a prolonged pandemic situation has contributed to an increase in the number of violence against vulnerable groups.
As of March, for example, data from the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry reported 110 cases of violence against children with disabilities.The deadly virus has caused some children with disabilities to lose their parents or guardians, prompting an exploitation by other family members for gaining economic profits.
In addition, last year’s survey conducted by the Indonesian Association of Women With Disability reported that 80% out of 55 respondents said that they have experienced gender based violence.
The government, in response to the issue, has rolled out several programs including the Social Assistance Policy for Persons with Disabilities (ASPD) and Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI).
The government in its efforts to prevent COVID-19 also targets the disabled group as one of the priority groups for the vaccination program. As of August 2021, the Ministry of Health has targeted 562.242 people from the community.
"The Executive Office of The President has initiated the Mental Health Service program or SEJIWA since April last year," said Moeldoko. This program was instituted by KSP together with the Indonesian Psychological Association, the Ministry of Health, and several other parties.
SEJIWA is a psychological service for the community, including people with disabilities. The public can simply access it via toll-free phone call 119, extension 8. There are at least 629 volunteers from psychology experts who provide free mental health consultation assistance for all groups.
Moreover, President Joko Widodo has shown strong commitment in guaranteeing the rights of the disable community. This was manifested through the issuance of Law No. 08/2016 on disabilities, and the Presidential Regulation No. 68/2020 on the Establishment of the National Committee on Disabilities. Also attending the national seminar were National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Lt. Gen. TNI Ganip Warsito and the COVID-19 volunteer coordinator Andre Rahadian. They appreciated the government and the community’s effort to help people with disabilities during this pandemic.
