Veteran actress Suti Karno (58) visited the Disability Services Unit at Universitas Gadjah Mada (ULD UGM) on Friday (Jan. 10).
The actress who portrayed Atun in the 90s TV series Si Doel Anak Sekolahan shared her story of perseverance after having a disability. Her story inspired all people with disabilities to continue pursuing their dreams and creating.
After being diagnosed with diabetes for 18 years, Karno underwent intensive care with several surgeries. The treatment caused much of the skin tissue on her leg to die, and there were concerns that it would affect other parts of her body.
Eventually, Karno’s right leg was amputated after various considerations. This decision initially shook her, but Karno began to adjust to her new condition with the support of those close to her.
“I’ve only been disabled for about two years. I admit it took time to accept it all,” Karno revealed.
Now, she maintains a strong will to live and spreads awareness about inclusivity for people with disabilities. After a period of inactivity, she returned to creating content on her YouTube channel to share inspirational stories and offer support to people with disabilities.
Dr. Wuri Handayani, a lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) and a campus inclusivity activist, shared her story in the discussion. She explained that she has faced many challenges since first becoming disabled.
Dr. Handayani, who was then a pharmacy student at Universitas Airlangga, had a hobby of mountain climbing. Unfortunately, she had an accident, falling from a height and becoming paralyzed.
“At first, the doctors didn’t tell me I was permanently paralyzed because they wanted to give me time to accept it. So I thought it was just temporary,” Dr. Handayani explained.
After the accident, the faculty oddly suggested her transfer to another faculty. She was confused, as there were no intellectual or academic issues following her accident.
However, the faculty did not explain, only stating that pharmacy would be difficult to pursue given Dr. Handayani’s condition.
Gradually, the rejection from the faculty grew, including from her learning environment.
“I used to need to be carried to every class because there were no elevators or wheelchair access to the first and second floors. But even in class, I felt rejection, even from the lecturers,” Dr. Handayani added.
Finally, after four semesters, she started in the Accounting Department of the Faculty of Economics. Her choice of accounting was based on the minimal physical activities required and its mobility-friendly nature.
Dr. Handayani graduated cum laude and built a career. Coming from a family of educators, she had aspired to become a teacher since childhood.
Unfortunately, the road she faced was steep and difficult. Despite her outstanding academic achievements, she applied several times but was repeatedly rejected.
“Previously, the rejections came without explanations. But at one point, I received a letter explaining that I was rejected because I used a wheelchair,” Dr. Handayani said.
That letter became her starting point in fighting for disability rights from the government. Dr. Handayani filed a lawsuit with the State Administrative Court (PTUN) in Surabaya, challenging the notion that people with disabilities are not physically and mentally healthy.
She continued to fight for this claim, and in 2009, she won the lawsuit.
“Many people thought I was only fighting for myself. But at that time, I wanted people with disabilities to be given opportunities to get jobs,” Dr. Handayani explained.
Suti Karno and Dr. Handayani concluded their discussion by reflecting on their efforts to raise awareness about disabilities. Dr. Handayani continues her advocacy by promoting inclusivity at UGM, including founding ULD UGM, which she initiated to provide a space for people with disabilities at UGM to develop their skills.
Although only officially launched at the end of 2024, ULD UGM had been initiated long before, based on the mandate of Law Number 8 of 2016.
Individuals with disabilities, including students, staff, or lecturers, can access services at ULD. In addition, ULD UGM will become a research center advocating for disability rights on a broader scale.
“The hope is that this can be a platform for voicing and realizing an inclusive campus,” Dr. Handayani added.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie