By: Ferdi, Sustainable Earth Institute
Representatives of indigenous communities, women's forums, and representatives of the disabled attended the Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang) of East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Thursday (24/4/2025). The event took place at the National Building Hall, Umbu Tipuk Marisi, Waingapu, East Sumba. The event was also attended and opened by the Regent of East Sumba Umbu Lili Pekuwali.
Their participation in the East Sumba Musrenbang cannot be separated from the role of the Bumi Lestari Institute and KEMITRAAN who continue to strive for the involvement of marginalized groups in the policy-making process. In the event, they provided a number of useful inputs for developing inclusive policies. They also urged that adequate access to basic services for disabled groups be provided immediately.
In the process of conveying aspirations, the women's forum and representatives of the disabled conveyed a number of things, including demands to be treated equally. They, the disabled group, do not want to be discriminated against from society in general.
"We, the disabled, hope to be accepted and appreciated by society, by our families, just like those who do not have special needs," said Densi as a representative of the disabled group.
He also complained about the distance of access to Special Schools (SLB) for the disabled group in East Sumba. In fact, they also have the right to educational services. Densi said that the disabled group does not need to be pitied. Densi said that what they need are work skills so they can live independently like the general public. Thus, they do not always depend on government assistance.
In addition, Densi also complained about the lack of health services for the disabled group. Many of the disabled group have difficulty getting treatment at the Community Health Center because of the distance being too far and the lack of adequate access. He asked the East Sumba Regency Government to provide adequate access to health services for the disabled.
"Therefore, if the Regent agrees, we request special health services for the disabled, including the elderly who cannot come to health facilities such as Community Health Centers and Integrated Health Posts," said Densi.
He also hopes that society will not stigmatize the disabled group. Because basically the disabled group has the same right to life as society in general.
"So I hope that the provision of space and opportunity for our involvement as disabled people in deliberation forums whether in villages, sub-districts, regencies or other public forums will continue and hopefully become a government policy in this case, the Regent," said Densi.
Responding to input from the disability group in the Musrenbang forum, Umbu Lili also welcomed it positively. He said that this Musrenbang was very interesting with the participation of the disability group. He also promised that the East Sumba Regency Government would provide adequate services for the disability group to fulfill their basic rights.
"Especially for children with disabilities who attend SLB, both in terms of learning, teachers will provide assistance to pay attention to the most suitable learning methods," said Umbu Lili.
"And also pay attention to the facilities in schools, both school buildings that are more suitable or meet the needs of the disabled in order to utilize classroom and toilet facilities so that disabled groups can utilize them properly according to their needs," he continued.
