Press Release

We Are Able! We Are Capable! We Are Equal!” – Celebrating the Creative Spirit of People with Disabilities

06 December 2023

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December 6, 2023 – In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations in Indonesia, in cooperation with Bumilangit Entertainment, Indonesia’s  leading entertainment company, will showcase and celebrate the journeys of persons with disabilities who have overcome stigma and challenges. The Creative Week for People with Disabilities, to be held from 6-10 December at  Bloc Bar 2 (exfoya) MBloc Jakarta, under the motto “We are able! We are capable! We are equal" will spotlight the extraordinary talents and stories of people with disabilities. 

This event will showcase over 70 objects and activities, including visual art, performance art, oral history, inclusive fashion, and technology. Alongside the exhibition, various activities will also be held. These include a talk show on inclusive technology for people with disabilities, discussions on young achievers with disabilities, and workshops on art therapy and glass painting. 

Lukisan-lukisan para patriot Cerebral Palsy dari Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC)
Caption: Lukisan-lukisan para patriot Cerebral Palsy dari Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC)

Despite their remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as art, culture, technology, and sports, the broader society often underestimates the potential of people with disabilities, said Valerie Julliand, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Indonesia. “This initiative will challenge mis-perceptions by showcasing the profound abilities and achievements of artists with disabilities,” she said. “Through compelling stories, art, and innovative solutions, this collaboration honours these artists and urges society to reassess biases and work towards a future of inclusion and empowerment.”

People with Disabilities are Underrepresented

Persons with disabilities, who make up approximately 15% of the global population, are frequently underrepresented. In Indonesia, according to the 2020 National Census, there are 38.8 million people identified as having disabilities. However, the ILO's disability labour market indicators reveal that nearly 90% of people with disabilities in Indonesia are inactive, i.e.  are not working or actively seeking work. Many of those who are employed work in the informal sector.

As-Syafa Nur Julia  patriot Cerebral Palsy menulis puisi di panggung menjawab tantangan para penonton, Syafa telah menerbitkan 3 buku puisi
Caption: As-Syafa Nur Julia patriot Cerebral Palsy menulis puisi di panggung menjawab tantangan para penonton, Syafa telah menerbitkan 3 buku puisi

About 80% of young people with disabilities are not involved in employment, education, or training, according to International Labour Organization (ILO) Disability can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or social status, highlighting the need for inclusion," said Bismarka Kurniawan, CEO of Bumilangit Entertainment, one of the largest superhero comic book character libraries in Asia.

“This event is not just about celebrating the artistic talents of individuals with disabilities but also about recognizing their role as influential agents of change in our society,” he said. “They possess a wealth of skills, talents, and abilities, deserving of the same opportunities and freedoms as everyone else.”

Talkshow dengan Zizi Allafta pianis dan penyanyi dengan disabilitas Netra, Natrio Catra Yoshoda (Pelari Marathon autis pertama di Indonesia) dan Agoes Abdoel Rakhman (Direktur Pelaksana Yaysan Anak Cacat Jakarta)
Caption: Talkshow dengan Zizi Allafta pianis dan penyanyi dengan disabilitas Netra, Natrio Catra Yoshoda (Pelari Marathon autis pertama di Indonesia) dan Agoes Abdoel Rakhman (Direktur Pelaksana Yaysan Anak Cacat Jakarta)

Highlighting the importance of inclusivity for people with disabilities, Saphira Kusbandiyah, known as Sasha, a social media influencer focused on empowering people with disabilities, said, “The only true disability is the inability to accept and respect differences." Sasha, who works as an admin staff in an automotive company, has 250,000 followers on TikTok. On this social media app, she advocates for the rights of people with disabilities in Indonesia.

Dita Soeroso bersama lukisannya tentang kelelawar
Caption: Dita Soeroso bersama lukisannya tentang kelelawar

The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities,” reflects the urgency of accelerating inclusive efforts towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The following UN agencies in Indonesia are collaborating to organize this event: ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Global Pulse, UN Information Centre and UN Volunteers.

Contact: Siska Widyawati, National Information Officer  08788-488-5489

UN entities involved in this initiative

ILO
International Labour Organization
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund
UNIC
United Nations Information Centre
UNV
United Nations Volunteers

Goals we are supporting through this initiative