Jakarta, Kartunet.com - National airline Citilink Airlines denied Deny Yen Rahman, a visually impaired person, when he was about to take a flight from Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, this morning (14/09).
The airline stated its reason was a regulation prohibiting visually impaired individuals or children from flying without a companion. Deny, who was scheduled to fly from Surabaya to Jakarta at 06:00 AM WIB, was instead delayed after receiving the decision from Citilink Airlines staff who denied him boarding. This was Deny's first time using Citilink Airlines' services and also his first experience being denied a flight.
The Jember-born man, who is also an administrator of the Kartunet community, expressed disappointment with the actions of Citilink Airlines, which is part of the same group as PT. Garuda Indonesia TBK. Garuda Airlines itself already provides "Full Service" to serve persons with disabilities as best as possible. This was conveyed at an advocacy training event for the visually impaired at the hall of the National Level SLB-A Pembina dormitory, Lebakbulus Jakarta, early last July. Deny, who had returned to his home in Gubeng when contacted by the editorial team, stated that he had contacted Saharuddin Daming, a human rights commissioner who is also visually impaired. Saharuddin promised to investigate this case and advised Deny to immediately report it to the local police, which Deny did at the Sedati Police Station, Sidoarjo, Surabaya. As of now, Deny is still awaiting follow-up on his report to these parties. (Laras)