UGM Pancasila Study Center (PSP) once again held a discussion entitled "Bincang Pancasila" on Friday (7/2). The theme of the discussion is "Disability & Sustainable Development Based on Inclusion". As a speaker, PSP UGM invited Nuning Suryatiningsih from the Center for Improving Qualified Activities of People with Disabilities (CIQAL).
Nuning began the discussion session by explaining disability. According to her, disability is the result of interaction between people with limited abilities, attitudes, and the environment that hinders their participation in a society based on equality with others.
"So, disability is not seen from a medical perspective, but from the perspective of social relations. Therefore, we call it disability instead of disabled. Disabled is a medical rule," she explained.
Nuning explained that in relation to inclusiveness, the concept seeks to accommodate differences and the value of diversity, one of which is a disability. Therefore, she explained that inclusive builders aim to embrace differences and diversity in society.
According to Nuning, in order to embody this goal, vulnerable groups, including disabilities, are involved in the process and formation of development policies. The policy or program of development needs to be considered the primary study of the impacts on the lives of vulnerable groups.
"The involvement of vulnerable groups in the development policy process is important because we can understand their needs in order to access a particular building, especially those that are designed for the public. As a result, there would be no discrimination to anyone who can access the building," she explained.
Thus, inclusive development must consider several principles, named participation, non-discrimination, and accessibility. "So far, we, including me, have found many buildings that claim to be inclusive only to fulfil the non-discrimination principle, but they mostly forget the principle of accessibility," she said.
In additton to the principle, Nuning stated that inclusive development needs to be based on a double-track approach. The first path is action to mainstream vulnerable groups in all programs with a focus on removing various barriers to participation in society. The second path is the implementation of special treatment for vulnerable groups to enable them to participate in and benefit from the program on an equal basis with others.
Nuning stressed that the application of the three principles and the two path approaches was the key to inclusive development. "Through this, we can realize equality of rights and opportunities for all people, including vulnerable groups in it," she said.
Agus Wahyudi, Ph.D., Head of PSP UGM, approved Nuning's explanation of the inclusive development. According to him, the Indonesian state with its fifth principle of Pancasila seeks to accommodate social justice for all its people. Consequently, this country must also fair to its diverse society in order to the fulfilments of their rights.
"This inclusive development is a picture of the tasks and roles of the state that should be carried out in society. This concept is a reflection of a good and right shared life from the community," he concluded.
Reporter: Hakam
Translator: Natasa