Speaking at the opening of the Special Kids Expo (SPEKIX) 2025 in Jakarta on Saturday, Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Veronica Tan stressed that synergy across ministries is essential to provide services and protection for children with special needs.
She explained that clinic permits fall under the Ministry of Health, educational permits under the Ministry of Education, while protection needs involve both KemenPPPA and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Tan acknowledged that the government has introduced an employment quota of 2 percent for persons with disabilities in her ministry, but the opportunities remain limited.
She underlined the role of the private sector in expanding job access, noting that companies often express willingness to hire but struggle to find qualified candidates with the required skills.
"The challenge is not a lack of goodwill, but a lack of trained workers with disabilities," she said.
The expo serves as a platform to connect families of children with special needs, the government, the private sector, and communities, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment and concrete action.
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Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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