For decades, the global community, consciously or unconsciously, has viewed persons with disabilities through a flawed lens. The most frequently used approaches have been the medical model (medical model), which sees disability as a "physical or mental impairment" that needs to be cured, and the charity model (charity model), which positions persons with disabilities as helpless individuals deserving only of pity and assistance.
However, this outdated perspective is slowly being dismantled. The birth of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006 marked a global milestone that transformed the world's paradigm. Persons with disabilities are no longer seen as "objects" of charity, but rather as "subjects" of equal human rights. In Indonesia, this spirit was realized through the ratification of the CRPD in 2011 and the enactment of Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.
Aligning the CRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This paradigm shift carries profound meaning: disability is not merely about a lost physical or mental condition, but rather the result of the interaction between individual barriers and an unsupportive environment and societal attitudes (disabling environment). The global disability movement's slogan loudly proclaims, "Disabled by society, not by our bodies".
This struggle for rights fulfillment is highly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set until 2030. Upholding the core principle of "No one left behind", the SDGs and derivative regulations of the Disability Law in Indonesia demand a tangible commitment from the state to realize accessibility and inclusion in all sectors—from education, public facilities, justice, and health, to employment quotas.
Why Regulations Alone Are Not Enough?
The existence of laws and various government regulations guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities is a remarkable achievement. However, disability inclusion policies will only make a real difference if they are truly implemented and their progress can be measured. Herein lies the biggest challenge: how do we know that these rights have actually been fulfilled on the ground?
To ensure that the slogan of justice does not merely remain on stacks of state documents, a structured and sustainable monitoring system is needed. This monitoring aims to prove whether the lived experiences of persons with disabilities—such as using public transportation, applying for jobs, or accessing judicial services—have truly improved.
Three Key Indicators for Monitoring Disability Rights
Civil society organizations and the government are now beginning to use human rights-based measurement tools to monitor inclusion progress in Indonesia. These monitoring instruments are divided into three main, interconnected indicators:
1. Structural Indicators (Regulatory Commitment)
This indicator measures the readiness of the state's "foundation." Monitoring is conducted by examining whether central government down to village level has local regulations, laws, or decrees that mainstream disability. This is written proof of the state's commitment to providing legal certainty and preventing discrimination.
2. Process Indicators (Actions and Budget)
Good policies must be supported by concrete actions. Process indicators evaluate how the government implements its commitments. Monitored aspects include: Is there a specific budget allocation (National/Regional/Village Budget) for inclusive facilities? Are there training programs for inclusive school teachers? And, are there standard operating procedures (SOPs) in healthcare facilities to handle patients with various disabilities in a friendly manner?
3. Outcome Indicators (Tangible Impact)
This is the most decisive indicator, reflecting reality. Outcome indicators collect both qualitative and quantitative data on the quality of life of persons with disabilities after programs have been implemented. Measured data includes: what percentage of persons with disabilities have been successfully absorbed into the formal workforce? How satisfied are persons with disabilities with accessibility services at train stations? Or, how much has the level of violence experienced by women with disabilities decreased?
Conclusion: Justice is Collaborative Work
Building an inclusive Indonesian society is not a task that can be accomplished unilaterally by the government. It requires collaborative work among ministries, local governments, the private sector, and active involvement from organizations of persons with disabilities themselves. By critically monitoring—from legal structures, implementation processes, to tangible outcomes in society—we are overseeing a crucial civilizational transition for the nation; moving away from an era of charity towards an era of justice and full respect for human dignity. (DPM)
References:
- Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas & AIPJ2 (2021). Monitoring the Fulfillment of Disability Rights.
- Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Blind Union (DPP Pertuni). Guidelines for Recruitment & Placement of Blind Workers.