Risma's Explanation Of Forced Criticism For Deaf Children To Speak

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (right) together at the auction of works of persons with disabilities on International Disability Day at the Aneka Bhakti Building, Ministry of Social Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday (2/12/2021). (ANTARA/HO-Kemensos)

JAKARTA - Social Minister Tri Rismaharini is back in the spotlight. This time, Risma allegedly forced the deaf to speak. Risma clarified this.

This was in response to criticism when he interacted with the deaf person Stefanus in the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (HDI).

Risma made sure Stefanus' hearing aids functioned well, encouraged them to maximize their ear's abilities, and gave the deaf person an opportunity to try to respond to communication.

"I want to make sure that the hearing aid is functioning properly. Because if he can't respond, it could be detrimental to him," said Risma in a statement received in Jakarta, Friday, December 3.

Risma ensures that what she does is purely with sincere intentions, and invites people with disabilities not to give up.

On the other hand, Risma admitted that she had a very worrisome experience when she was Mayor of Surabaya, namely when a person with a hearing impairment was hit by a train, and someone lost their life due to a disaster.

"This experience really hit me. I just want to make sure they can convey the message in various ways. They must be able to react to their environment, especially if it endangers their lives and honor, whether by voice, hand gestures, or the tools they wear," said Risma. .

According to him, the response of persons with disabilities, in this case persons with hearing impairments, to the environment is very important. Because, based on the experience above, there are unexpected things.

Risma emphasized the importance for persons with disabilities, including the deaf, to have self-defense. Under certain conditions, they must be able to deal with what they face on their own, because the environment in which they are in is not always friendly to them.

"On this occasion, I asked them to try to speak up. For some people with hearing impairments, speaking is not an easy job. Now, I ask them to ask, you know, so that they can strive beyond the limit," he said.

Risma ensured that there was no intention towards persons with disabilities. He stated that he had dedicated the policy direction of the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen support for persons with disabilities.

In fact, he issued a policy for no building construction. The budget is diverted for innovation of assistive devices for persons with disabilities.

Risma admits that this is not easy, because it requires a very long process.

The Ministry of Social Affairs itself has taken concrete steps in respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities. Through the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI), the Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared integrated walking services for persons with disabilities.

The ATENSI program provides family, community and residential-based services that are integrated with basic services, both programs at the Ministry of Social Affairs and other ministry/institutional programs.