Upaya Meningkatkan Semangat Inklusi Sosial Masyarakat
Upaya Meningkatkan Semangat Inklusi Sosial Masyarakat
The Australian Government and Asia Foundation have organized a public discussion on ‘Social Inclusion: Bridge to Equality in Indonesia’ on Saturday (9/15) in the west hallway of UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. In collaboration with the faculty, this discussion aimed to disclose the progress of Program Peduli which was initiated by the office of Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs.
Erman Rahman, Director of the Asia Foundation, pointed out the three important aspects that needed improvement to address marginalized communities. They were the objectives of Program Peduli.
“Peduli is designed to improve three aspects, which are social acceptance by the local community, access to services (education, health, and legal identity services), and regional policy on marginalized individuals,” explained Erman.
According to Erman, Program Peduli is responsible for a number of marginalized groups, including remote indigenous communities reliant on natural resources; victims of discrimination, intolerance, and violence based on religion; victims of gross human rights violations; people with disabilities; vulnerable children and youth which include those in correctional facilities, victims of sexual exploitation, children of migrant workers; and transgender women.
Sheila Kartika, Program Owner of Peduli, argued these marginalized groups were selected in consideration of the program’s pillars. “Some of the groups are considered as the most populous marginalized communities that are vulnerable to social exclusion and discrimination,” she said.
She stressed that the biggest challenge faced by these groups was the lack of access to legal identity, which eventually led to barriers to civil rights. “It is why Peduli helps them obtain their legal identity documents.”
Participants appreciated the discussion. Aurora Abel hoped the discussion would increase community awareness on marginalised groups.
Abel said one of those she thought closest to the community was people with disabilities. “They don’t have full access to public facilities. In this campus, for example, in my opinion, facilities are not yet friendly to people with disabilities,” she said.