When Music Becomes a Means of Rehabilitation for the Blind

Music group from Yayasan Mitra Netra (Ivan Two Putra/VOI)

JAKARTA - Music has become a rehabilitation tool used by the blind who are members of the Mitra Netra Foundation, an institution that has focused for decades on empowering the blind in Indonesia.

Suryo Pramono (45) is one of the people who have practiced this function, both for himself and for other friends at the Mitra Netra Foundation.

Together with his partner, Suryo formed a band, which was able to play popular songs very well, whether it was songs from within the country or abroad.

Suryo said his band had been formed since 2016, where the foundation's managers facilitated the talents of several members who had musical abilities.

"The managers at Mitra Netra were kind to us who love music, to accommodate our talents who love music," said Suryo, when met after a media meeting in Senayan, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, May 6.

"Music in Mitra Netra has two functions. First as rehabilitation, the second for the profession," he continued.

Suryo revealed that many of them who could see then experienced blindness, it was difficult to accept their condition.

Through music, said Suryo, those who experience difficulties can get their own pleasure when playing music, then gain confidence again when performing in public.

"Well, if this rehabilitation is for friends who have just experienced blindness," he said.

On several occasions, this band from Mitra Netra also received calls from parties who wanted to see them perform.

"We also receive calls (to perform) from the public as well. So we fill it up too. Yes, for example there is a wedding, then we will play the song request. Or there are also corporate events or alumni reunions that invite us," said Suryo.

Basically, those who are in the Netra Mitra Foundation are also able to do other jobs - which should be known by the wider community.

Therefore, this foundation has launched the Blind Employment Directory, an initiative presented as a strategic reference for the community, government, and business world in building a more inclusive employment system.

"We have compiled this directory as a concrete effort to bring together the competencies of the blind with the available job opportunities. The participation of all citizens, including people with disabilities, is very important for the success of Indonesia Emas 2045," said Aria Indrawati as Head of the Labor Section of Mitra Netra.

In addition, Bambang Basuki as the Founder of the Mitra Netra Foundation, believes that those who have limitations do not mean they are not ready for the world of work. He believes that many blind people already have competencies.

Bambang said his party had tried to build the blind in access to education. Now the problem is the openness of the world of work to accept them.

"From the accessible rehabilitation services and educational support systems, thank God the blind can already pursue their education to college," said Bambang.

"Well, with universities, with quite broad insight, plus they are given access to technology, they are actually ready to work," he continued.

"Actually, the blind person has no problem for work. He has confidence. Now the problem is whether the employers understand? Most of them are still grappling with misconceptions, misperceptions, a priori, or prejudices," he concluded.

For information, some blind people at the Mitra Netra Foundation have been able to get jobs in their respective fields. However, it is hoped that more and more workplaces will be more open to those who are actually competent.