Australia, Indonesia Officials Support Disability-Inclusive Development in Prob

RRI.CO.ID, Probolinggo - Australia and Indonesia reaffirmed their shared commitment to inclusive development during a joint field visit to Probolinggo, East Java, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, where local initiatives for disability inclusion were highlighted.

Mayor Aminuddin, joined by Deputy Mayor Ina Dwi Lestari and Probolinggo’s Inclusion Ambassador Evariani, welcomed First Secretary of the Australian Embassy’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Elena Martin Avila, and Director for Family, Parenting, Women, and Children at Bappenas, Qurrota Ayun.

“This visit discussed programs and our shared commitment to realizing inclusive and equitable development in Probolinggo,” Mayor Aminuddin said, as quoted by Antara.

Mayor Aminuddin highlighted that all city subdistricts are being directed to become disability‑friendly, with persons with disabilities actively involved in urban development.

A key step was the enactment of Regional Regulation No. 2/2024 on Disabilities, which requires companies to allocate at least one percent of job vacancies to disabled workers.

To support this, the city administration has prepared 14 vocational training programs ranging from culinary skills to livestock farming, aimed at strengthening economic independence for people with disabilities.

Avila praised the opportunity to witness firsthand how local administrations, disability organizations, and businesses collaborate to expand employment opportunities. She emphasized that Australia-Indonesia cooperation is vital to advancing inclusive development.

Qurrota Ayun echoed the appreciation, noting that the visit was designed to observe the tangible impact of inclusion programs as part of Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium‑Term Development Plan (RPJMN). She added that Probolinggo’s initiatives could serve as a model for other regions.

The joint field mission also examined the strengthening of Disability Service Units (ULDs) in the employment sector, which are seen as crucial to improving access and opportunities for disabled workers. ***