"The establishment of the commission alleviates some of my workload in addressing disability rights issues that must be done in concert with my work on handling homelessness, social issues, and poverty," Rismaharini stated at a press conference with commissioners of the National Commission for Disabilities in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The minister expressed the hope the commission would help people with disabilities pursue their studies in regular schools and develop their skills.
The commission could help them explore new opportunities and prove that their disability is not a hindrance, she said.
The Social Affairs Ministry has recruited several persons with disabilities to assemble assistive equipment, she pointed out.
"I believe the future industry would no longer see disability as a nuisance, and we must open new opportunities for persons with disabilities to prove that they can work with equal performance as able-bodied workers," Rismaharani remarked.
Related news: National Committee for Disabilities first step to equality: official
Earlier, President Joko Widodo inaugurated seven commissioners of the National Commission for Disabilities. Dante Rigmalia has been appointed the chairman and Deka Kurniawan the deputy chairman of the commission. Both will concurrently serve as commissioners.
The remaining five commissioners are Eka Prastama Widyanta, Kikin Purnawirawan Tarigan Sibero, Fatimah Asri Mutmainah, Jonna Aman Damanik, and Rachmita Maun Harahap.
Presidential Special Staff Angkie Yudistia, who is herself deaf, said that the establishment of the commission is in accordance with Law Number 8 of 2016 regarding people with disabilities, and it is further reinforced by Presidential Regulation Number 68 of 2020 about the National Committee for Disabilities.
The working team for the commission's establishment has been active since December 2020, she added.
"The establishment of the commission is proof of the government's commitment in respecting and protecting disability rights," Yudistia stated.
Related news: Companies employing disabled people get awards from Manpower Ministry
Translator: Sanya Dinda S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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