MPR RI Seeks Stronger Commitment to Disability Rights

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Ensuring equal access to education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and other public services remains a challenge for persons with disabilities. Strengthening the implementation of policies supporting their rights is therefore essential so that efforts to address these challenges go beyond the issuance of regulations.

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Lestari Moerdijat, said the policy on concessions or fee reductions for persons with disabilities under Government Regulation (PP) No. 31/2026 must be followed by tangible, collaborative steps to address the obstacles they continue to face.

“Efforts to increase the participation of persons with disabilities cannot be achieved simply by issuing regulations. Tangible and collaborative steps are needed to overcome existing obstacles,” Lestari said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday, September 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

PP No. 31/2026 on Concessions for Persons with Disabilities and Incentives for Companies stipulates that concessions of at least 20 percent be provided for persons with disabilities across nine strategic sectors.

These sectors include education, transportation, healthcare, assistive devices, housing and utilities, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism and culture, and sports.

Enacted on July 2, 2026, the regulation aims to expand access for persons with disabilities to essential services and opportunities on an equal basis.

In early September, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs held a coordination meeting to prepare for implementing PP No. 31/2026, involving representatives from ministries, government agencies, and regional administrations.

Lestari welcomed efforts to accelerate disability-related policies at the regional level, including harmonizing and issuing inclusive regional regulations across provinces, regencies, and cities.

She also highlighted data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) showing that only 2.8 percent of Indonesia’s 17.9 million persons with disabilities have completed higher education, while around 70 percent work in the informal sector.

According to Lestari, these figures reflect a persistent gap in access and opportunities that requires consistent policies and effective implementation.

She called for continued efforts to strengthen policies that deliver tangible benefits to persons with disabilities as part of the state’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

“Fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities in all aspects of social life must be carried out with full commitment, as mandated by law and the Constitution,” she said.

Lestari also emphasized the need for government institutions, stakeholders, and the public to work together to establish effective protection mechanisms and accessible public services for persons with disabilities.

“The state must remain consistent in its commitment to protecting and fulfilling the rights of all citizens, including persons with disabilities, with the support of all parties,” she said. ***