The Sustainable Earth Institute (LBL) through The Estungkara program providing assistance to groups with disabilities through a safe space in Ndapayami Village, Kanatang District, East Sumba Regency. Being someone with a disability is not a reason to remain silent, cursing fate and living life without doing any activities. Here is a story people with disabilities from East Sumba who continues to work like Mr. Tonga Retang, a 72-year-old deaf person. He lives with his wife and 1 child. His wife is also a mild ODGJ (person with mental disorders).
The wife of Mr. Tonga Retang was declared mildly ODGJ because she had a relapse once a month although it did not cause unrest for the surrounding residents. Every day she depends on her husband, including for food. Often, she does not speak at all until it is time to return to normal.
Mr. Tonga Retang is a farmer who gardens and plants cassava, corn, petatas, and paddy fields for daily needs. In addition, he also has a rope spinning business from waru skin that he obtained near his residence. The proceeds from the sale of this rope spinning are to meet household needs. He sells the results of the spinning for 10,000/meter. Every day, Mr. Tonga goes to lift water 1 km from home on foot. He does his daily activities without complaining amidst his limitations as the head of the family.
Mr. Tonga is also active and a member of the Disability Forum in his village which is facilitated by the Bumi Lestari Institute (LBL). Mr. Tonga Retang's role in the forum is as a member. LBL has facilitated the formation of a disability group as a safe space for people with disabilities since 2023. The goal is that through this forum, people with disabilities remain empowered and independent. And become part of society including in decision-making discussions.
"Since this forum was established, I have often been involved in meetings such as meetings for disability groups and meetings at the hamlet and village levels," said Mr. Tonga when met by the Village Facilitator of the Bumi Lestari Institute.
The number of disabled people in Ndapayami Village is 24 people, with 9 men and 15 women. LBL works together with the village government to provide assistance to find out about disabled activities as well as to prepare a disability business plan for those who are still doing activities.
"We from LBL are also trying to encourage village governments to pay attention to the needs of people with disabilities and provide assistance to those who are still active so that their needs can be met in order to reduce dependence on others," said Stephanus, Director of the Bumi Lestari Institute.
