Current Programme and Implementation Efforts

Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs heads an interagency workgroup in efforts to mainstream disability, as evidenced in the creation of the National Plan of action.  Much of the existing data on the current situation of persons with disabilities in Indonesia is not easily accessible.  AusAid has recently funded a desk review which responds to re- Indonesia’s current challenges in collecting and processing data. 

Several rehabilitation centres have been set up throughout the country, although they are underutilized due to the decentralization process, and are segregated.  The notion of mainstream inclusion is in the beginning stage.  Thus, at the strategic level, Indonesia’s challenge will be to provide an enabling and inclusive environment, which ensures that youth and persons with disabilities can obtain equal access to education, skill development, and the labour market.[1]   A range of work options and emerging models of employment such as supported employment and social enterprises could be viable options for Indonesia.  The ILO disability projects PEPDEL and INCLUDE[2], and AbilityAsia piloted a number of approaches to promote equal employment and opportunities for persons with disabilities through capacity building of social partners, including technical assistance on matters related to PEPDEL frameworks in line with the UNCRPD and ILO international labour standards.

Earlier missions and discussions with governments, social partners, and stakeholders indicated the need for ILO technical support and capacity building to further progress the implementation process of disability inclusion at the policy level and in workplace and training systems. The ILO recommends the backing of the private sector to help enforce the quota system, as well as a strong monitoring mechanism be put in place to address the difficulties of implementation due to policy incoherencies.  Critical entry points will be inclusion of young men and women in education and training on one side and ensuring their employability and access to the workplace on the other side. 

Lack of data collection and follow-up make it difficult to assess the situation for people with disabilities and their employment outcomes beyond those formally enrolled in services.  However, the Government is interested in developing its job placement services and to provide services for those who participate in the informal economy or who will become self-employed, as well as a developing a centralized system for registering job seekers and jobs available to persons and youth with disabilities.  Current priorities of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration are to improve the data on persons with disabilities and to implement the current quota system. 

Disabled Peoples’ Organisations, Trade Unions, and Social Partners

The potential of partnerships with disabled peoples’ organisations (DPOs), employers’ organisations, individual employers, and trade unions is seen by the ILO as a way to improve training and increase employment opportunities. A disabled persons and advocacy movement is relatively well developed, yet its capabilities related to the promotion of inclusive work have room for improvement. [3]    The Employers’ Association of Indonesia (APINDO) has been contacted for joint implementation of the quota system.  In addition, some Indonesian trade unions are considering creating a secretariat to address issues related to disability.  Finally, NGOs have been involved in a wide range of activities concerning disabilities from public awareness, education, training, employment, and rehabilitation services.[4] [5] The ILO encourages strong partnerships to improve access to training and employment for youth and persons with disabilities.

The Content of the Planned National Workshop

Based on this background, the ILO jointly with KAMENSOS, MOMT and AusAID, plans to hold a multi-stakeholder national workshop which includes representatives of government ministries, employers’ organisations, trade unions, Non-Government Organisations, and Disabled People’s Organisations.  The objectives of the workshop include:

1.       To organise a workshop for main stakeholders to create better understanding of the issues confronting youth with disabilities, barriers to education and training, and to improve employability and employment opportunities for youth and people with disabilities.  

2.       Participants review the status of and identify gaps in legislation and policies, programmes, and services relating to the promotion of skills development and inclusion of persons with disabilities. 

3. Participants gain and share knowledge of various tools, methodologies, and best practices on disability inclusion in Indonesia and worldwide.
4. Participants re-assess existing Action Plan, and share good practices related to disability inclusion in education, training, and employment.  This highly interactive and process oriented workshop with have a particular focus on youth and women with disabilities.

5.       Increase awareness of current regional and global network activities of the Global Business Network, the role of Corporate Social Responsibility.

6.       Participants will increase awareness of DPOs and networks active in the region for inclusion of people with disabilities.

7.       To encourage constituents (employers’ organisations, trade unions) and other partners to take action at the national level on promoting policies and programs on inclusive vocational training, education and employment. 

Expected Outcome of the Workshop

Expected outcomes are recommendations to the current Action Plan, how to strengthen policy coherence and on-going implementation process. The plan has timelines and indicates stakeholder involvement and their roles how to accelerate ratification and more effective implementation.  The ILO is committed in supporting government and social partners in providing solutions for people with disabilities in employment related fields and therefore, will take forward these recommendations.