Jakarta, Kartunet - One of the traditions observed by the President of Indonesia every Eid al-Fitr is to host an Open House at the palace for the public. This opportunity was also utilized by persons with disabilities to visit SBY at the State Palace Open House to convey their aspirations.
On Eid al-Fitr 1435 Hijri, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and his family held a halalbihalal (gathering for mutual forgiveness) at the State Palace. The event was attended by people from various backgrounds, from officials and prominent figures starting at 08:30 AM to the general public who would begin at 03:30 PM WIB.
Not to be left out, persons with disabilities also attended the event. They stated their desire to convey their aspirations to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) so that his successor would pay more attention to public facility access for persons with disabilities.
"We met SBY for a friendly visit and to convey our aspirations before he retires, so that his successor, Mr. Jokowi, can pay more attention to our access. We need special roads, public facilities, and transportation. Even the State Palace doesn't have a special path for disabilities," said Erwin Wijaya, a wheelchair user and person with disabilities, in the parking lot of the State Secretariat building, on Monday, July 28, 2014.
Erwin hoped that the incoming government would be more concerned with the limitations they face. The "Healthy Indonesia Card" (Kartu Indonesia Sehat) and "Smart Indonesia Card" (Kartu Indonesia Pintar), which are Jokowi's programs, are hoped to be solutions.
"Hopefully, they will care. When we get sick, there are many procedures. We, with our limitations, need to be prioritized. Hopefully, Jokowi's Healthy Indonesia Card and Smart Indonesia Card will not only be available in the capital but also felt in the regions," he said. Today, he and several of his friends, also persons with disabilities, arranged to attend the open house via social media.
He stated that dozens of wheelchair users were ready to visit the Palace this afternoon.
"Our coordination was through Facebook. We are not a community, but individuals. There will be visually impaired, hearing impaired, and over 20 wheelchair users attending," he said, concluding the interview. It was reported that the State Palace would open from 3:30 PM for the public who wished to have a friendly gathering with the president. This opportunity could certainly be utilized by every citizen, including persons with disabilities visiting SBY at the State Palace Open House.
(DPM) Source: Tempo.co July 28, 2014 by Ursula F Sonia