Empowering People with Disability? Hopes and Uncertainties under Indonesia‘s New Human Rights Focus
One of President Prabowo Subianto’s bold moves after taking office was establishing a dedicated Ministry of Human Rights in Indonesia. This decision revitalizes a framework that has graced Indonesia’s political landscape before, albeit briefly. Commentators noted the historical context of the ministry, as well as Prabowo’s own complexities and will this translate into tangible progress for marginalized communities.
At the heart of this discussion is a critical question: Can a dedicated ministry truly deliver better outcomes for people with disability in Indonesia, a nation previously pegged as "being in progressive development"? Understanding this requires diving into a multitude of issues, from awareness and legislative implementation to the nuanced yet crucial role this ministry can play.
Prior to settling into this new era, Indonesia’s commitment to people with disability has existed. In 2011, the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and subsequent incorporation of its principles into Law No. 8/2016 marked socially progressive steps. Yet, a chasm remains between policy and practice.
The Australia-Indonesia Disability Research and Advocacy Network (AIDRAN) has illuminated a persistent lack of awareness about human rights, even the fundamental notion that people with disabilities share equal rights with their peers. This leads to a persistent neglect of basic needs – education, employment, and healthcare. Assuredly, equal participation in public life and voting rights are a given in infirmities. Yet is it enough?
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What concrete actions and policies would demonstrate the Ministry of Human Rights’ commitment to empowering people with disabilities in Indonesia?
## Empowering People with Disabilities? A Conversation with Agus
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into an important topic: the impact of Indonesia’s new Ministry of Human Rights on people with disabilities. With us is Agus, a prominent advocate for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities. Agus, thank you for joining us.
**Agus:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** President Prabowo’s decision to re-establish the Ministry of Human Rights has sparked a lot of debate. Some see it as a signal of positive change, while others are cautious. What are your initial thoughts on this development? [[1]]
**Agus:** It’s certainly a positive step to see a dedicated ministry focusing on human rights. This shows a willingness to address the concerns of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. However, actions speak louder than words. We need to see concrete policies and tangible improvements in the lives of people with disabilities to determine if this new ministry is truly effective.
**Host:** You’ve been a vocal advocate for people with psychosocial disabilities for years. How do you think this new ministry could specifically benefit this community?
**Agus:** People with psychosocial disabilities often face extreme stigma and discrimination. We need more accessible mental health services, combatting discriminatory practices in employment and education, and ensuring our voices are heard in policy-making. A dedicated ministry has the potential to address these issues and work towards creating an inclusive society. [[1]]
**Host:** Indonesia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011. How has that impacted the lives of people with disabilities?
**Agus:** The ratification was a significant step, but implementation has been uneven. We’ve seen some positive developments, like increased awareness and some improvements in accessibility. However, we still have a long way to go in terms of legal protection, social inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunities.
**Host:** Looking forward, what are your hopes and concerns for the future of disability rights in Indonesia under this new ministry?
**Agus:** My hope is that this ministry will prioritize the voices and needs of people with disabilities. We need meaningful participation in decision-making processes, robust enforcement of existing laws, and a shift in societal attitudes towards disability. My concern is that without sustained commitment and adequate resources, this ministry may become another bureaucratic entity with little impact on the ground.[[[[[[[[
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Agus. It’s vital to continue this conversation and hold the government accountable for ensuring that this new ministry truly serves the needs of all Indonesians, including those with disabilities.
