Eight years is no short time. Like a human being, eight years old is the age when a child begins to freely explore the outside world; the age when a child can 'break free from their parents' apron strings'. Eight years is also when a person starts to learn about real life, marked by their expanding social circle. The same applies to Kartunet, the platform where I am writing this post.
For eight years, Kartunet has been active in the world, both real and virtual. Coincidentally, I have known Kartunet since its 'infancy'. I know very well the spirit of Kartunet's founders, whose goal is to advance people with disabilities in general, and the visually impaired in particular. “If you speak amidst the clamor of people watching a football match, I know it's not easy.
Let alone speaking, even shouting might not get anyone to listen.” That is a sentence that, in my opinion, describes the struggle of Kartunet's founders. It is quite difficult to create equal rights between people with disabilities – who are, incidentally, a minority in this beloved country – and non-disabled people. Many rights of people with disabilities – especially the visually impaired – are still ignored or even completely disregarded, both by the general public and by the ruling government.
However, with great spirit, the struggle of people with disabilities is starting to bear fruit. Kartunet is one example of this struggle. Here, people with disabilities can raise their voices. Within this platform, people with disabilities can express their aspirations. And here, everyone – both disabled and non-disabled – can showcase their works and ideas.
Most importantly, this is a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their condition. Here, everyone is equal, all special creations of God. One hope I wish to convey in this writing; for Kartunet, for people with disabilities, and of course, for everyone reading this post. May the issues highlighted by Kartunet not merely remain discussions.
May the cases crafted into articles published on Kartunet serve as lessons for all readers for a better future, for a more inclusive world for everyone. And may Kartunet continue to thrive as a mass media platform that can be a venue for channeling the interests, talents, creativity, and aspirations of all communities, both disabled and non-disabled.
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Kartunet! Happy birthday Kartunet! Selamat ulang tahun Kartunet!