This ceremony is to support their work, something like thatJakarta (ANTARA) - The Social Affairs Ministry showcased the potential and works of people living with disabilities at the “International Day of Disabilities (HDI) Expo 2022.”
Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said that the event on Friday was the peak of a series of activities held to celebrate the day, which were launched on December 3, 2022.
"We celebrate this not as a ceremony, but we truly conduct it and help our fellows with disabilities to be able to work, to be able to continue their lives better. And the main thing is to be equal to the others. There are no more differences. That's what we are campaigning for," the minister said here on Friday.
At the event, Rismaharini also called for ending the use of pasung (wooden restraints) for disabled people, a practice seen in some parts of Indonesia.
She said the Social Affairs Ministry is working with the National Committee on Disabilities to fulfill the rights of people living with disabilities.
"This ceremony is to support their work, something like that," she remarked.
In some parts of Indonesia, disabled persons are making products that are no less competitive than others. However, their disability is hindering them from marketing the products properly.
The minister said she believes that by marketing the products online, the results would be optimal.
"Therefore, we will teach them how to do electronic transactions. So that their sales and works are no longer (limited by) border," she added.
During the event, a plethora of products and services devised by persons living with disabilities were showcased, such as food and massage services. The minister also provided aid in the form of electric wheelchairs.
Meanwhile, disabled persons also dabbled in the arts, with some performing in music groups and giving traditional dance performances.
The event was also made more festive with the auction of 60 paintings created by persons living with disabilities, which was conducted by Minister Rismaharini.
In December 2022, the Social Affairs Ministry conducted some activities to commemorate the international day and distributed aid worth Rp33.2 billion.
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Translator: Devi N S R, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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