VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOI, Jakarta - The Ministry of Social Affairs focuses on building the independence of persons with disabilities to implement the Makassar Recommendations on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership.

Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini noted in her statement here on Thursday that her side is focusing on realizing economic independence for people with disabilities in need of jobs.

"We carry out (programs) to train them to open businesses, so they can be economically independent," she remarked.

The Makassar Recommendations resulted from the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Disability Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025 taking place in Makassar on October 10-12, 2023.

The forum was attended by around 200 participants and was part of Indonesia's ASEAN Chairmanship.

Rismaharini said she is focused more on making disabled people generate income by owning an enterprise instead of being employed by other individuals, as they need more assistance devices during their mobility.

The minister pointed out that physically disabled people will face issues if they need to leave their homes to get to work.

"Hence, if they can be independent and work from home, the handling is easier," she remarked.

According to the minister, if disabled people work in companies, the place they work at must provide access that involves a lengthy process.

"There is a law that stipulates a need for providing accessibility to facilitate their mobility," the minister remarked.

Moreover, Rismaharini stated that the latest integrated social welfare data (DTKS) includes disabled people, who can receive assistance from the government.

She explained that assistance for disabled people will be based on their needs, for instance, three-wheeled vehicle assistance for entrepreneurship that can facilitate physically disabled persons.

Rismaharini noted that entrepreneurial opportunities for disabled persons have increased along with digital marketing.

The ministry also opens market access for products made by disabled craftsmen. (ANTARA News)