Jakarta - The Draft Law or Bill on Persons with Disabilities, which was submitted last year, is currently still under deliberation by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). This Bill is intended to replace Law No. 4 of 1997 concerning Persons with Disabilities, which is no longer suitable in substance and spirit with the current developments in disability issues.
"This Bill is a priority and is already with the DPR's Legislative Body (Baleg). The draft Bill is currently being revised again for further review," said DPR RI Secretary-General Winantuningtyastiti when receiving a delegation from the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities (PPDI) on Tuesday (4/3/2014).
“The draft Disability Bill has been reviewed by inviting several experts from leading universities. Discussions have also been held through FGDs (Focus Group Discussions). The aspirations conveyed by PPDI will also be accommodated and submitted to the Council,” explained Win after receiving the PPDI delegation in her office. Originally, the PPDI delegation intended to meet with the Leaders of the DPR RI or DPR Commission VIII.
However, due to difficulties in scheduling a meeting with the Leaders and Commission VIII, the PPDI delegation was received directly by the DPR Secretary-General. Various complaints from persons with disabilities were conveyed directly to the DPR Secretary-General, along with input for the deliberation of the Disability Bill. The DPR RI Secretariat, Win continued, will also pay attention to various facilities in the DPR building for persons with disabilities.
Access for persons with disabilities to enter and interact within the DPR will be developed in line with the mandate of this Bill once it is enacted. The urgency of immediately enacting this Disability Bill is supported by the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was reinforced by Law No. 19 of 2011. Furthermore, the disability community hopes that the essence of the Bill will not deviate significantly from what was proposed.
This is because the Disability Bill will serve as the main umbrella for fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities in Indonesia. However, the DPR's commitment to pass this Bill before its term ends is somewhat doubted, considering the 2014 General Election is just around the corner.(DPM) Source: Pikiran Rakyat