UNS — Disability issues continue receiving attention from various parties. Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta is also involved in the process through its Disability Study Center (PSD) Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), which focuses on studies regarding disabilities.
PSD LPPM UNS held a regular monthly discussion on the topics around disabilities. Opening the first monthly discussion in 2022, PSD LPPM UNS discussed the “Mapping for Research Needs for Development with Disability Perspective” on Tuesday (18/1/2022) through the Zoom Cloud Meetings. The discussion was attended by disability activists from various instances in Indonesia.
The Chairman of PSD LPPM UNS, Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, stated that his unit regularly holds monthly discussions to encourage and support policymakers to issue disability-friendly policies. Disability-friendly policies are vital, considering people with disabilities also have equal rights with non-disabled people.
“Hopefully, it could encourage the creation and development of research in disabilities that have potential to be involved in sustainable decision making,” Prof. Munawir stated.
Prof. Munawir further explained that Indonesia is a paradise for people with disabilities because Indonesia has complete laws for disabilities after the Master Plan for Laws for People with Disabilities (RIPD) as a reference for the government in issuing disability-friendly regulations. RIPD has seven strategic targets, management, and inclusive planning, provision of seamless environment, protection of rights and access to politics and equality, empowerment and independence, creation of inclusive economy, education and skill, and access and distribution of services.
Indonesia’s laws that regulate people with disabilities are complete, but research is needed to map its implementation in the field. Therefore, this theme is discussed to encourage PSD researchers to conduct various studies with disabilities. LPPM UNS appreciated the discussion held by PSD UNS. The Secretary of LPPM UNS, Prof. Dr. Eng. Syamsul Hadi shared his appreciation for PSD UNS performance in discussing related issues.
“Disability Study Center is a study center that is very active in LPPM UNS. I consider this monthly discussion is very positive for the development of Disability Study Center,” Prof. Syamsul stated.
The current discussion invited Prof. Dr. Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, M.A., from MOST-UNESCO and National Research and Innovation Agency, and Dra. Y. Anni Aryani, M.Prof.Acc., Ph.D., Ak., CA., CSRS., CSRA., Faculty Member of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS as keynote speakers. The four hours discussion was attended by tens of participants. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti