“Higher education has a strategic role, because the issue of disability is one of the issues that we still have to push to become an issue for all parties with a high stigma. Based on data from National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) in 2020, people with disabilities who graduated from college were only 2.8%. We really hope that there is a role from universities through the Tri Dharma of Higher Education related to disability issues, both in research and community service (socialization and education) regarding disability,” said the Chairperson of the National Commission for Disabilities of the Republic of Indonesia (KND RI) Dante Rigmalia during an audience at Universitas Indonesia (UI), on Wednesday (05/10). The audience was held in order to carry out the mandate of Law Number 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, article 4 of which is to carry out monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy for the implementation of respect, protection, and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Welcoming this issue, the University Secretary of UI Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc, Ph.D., provided support for the KND RI audience visit. “We are very open to discussions, we have made several efforts or services to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Yet, there are still many things that we need to maximize again with this discussion,” she said. Regarding the college admission exam system, KND RI member Rachmita Maun Harahap expressed her hope for a more adequate admission exam system for persons with disabilities. Among them are the exam time policy and special assistance according to the needs of persons with disabilities who take the test with the adjustment of the exam provisions. “If persons with disabilities are given good therapeutic opportunities with good facilities, then they are able to do it with the help of proper accommodation and disability service units in accordance with applicable laws. Students’ understanding of the concept of disability issues as early as possible is also an effort to break the chain of negative stigma and fulfill the rights of persons with disabilities,” said KND RI Member Kikin Purnawirawan Tarigan Sibero.
As one of the best universities in Indonesia, Universitas Indonesia continues to be commitment to creating a friendly and good environment for students with disabilities while demonstrating equality on campus. This is done so that they can study, achieve, and develop their competencies to the fullest.
Penulis: Giany Allysia Putri| Editor: Maudisha
