Prayers And Hopes Of People With Disabilities For Ganjar Pranowo

Ganjar Pranowo (Special)

JAKARTA - Who says that people with disabilities can't do anything or can't afford anything? We can live independently and work like normal people in general.

This is what Novita Fitri said to Ganjar Pranowo when the 2024 presidential candidate visited the Mandiri Pospera Business Unit Agency in Jakarta, Thursday (28/9)

Ganjar was then invited by Novita on a tour to see the activities of dozens of deaf people who worked there. They work in various business units, for example car washes, car repair shops, car salons and coffee shops.

"They are all deaf friends, sir. Even though they are disabled, they can work well and skillfully. The same as other normal people," explained Novita, using sign language and halting words.

Ganjar smiled proudly while giving two thumbs up to the people with disabilities who were working enthusiastically. He also asked his driver to have his private car washed and taste coffee made by the barista at the cafe there.

"Wow, what a coincidence, please wash my car. How much does it cost to wash the car here," asked Ganjar.

Using sign language, they answered that the cost of washing a car there was IDR 35,000. With enthusiasm, people with disabilities washed Ganjar's car. Ganjar looked on with a proud smile, because they worked very well and neatly.

"You're cool, thanks," said Ganjar, giving two thumbs up.

After that, Ganjar went around looking at a number of business units in that place. For quite a long time, Ganjar went around greeting people with disabilities who were working. After that, Ganjar had coffee together and listened to the stories of people with disabilities which contained prayers and hopes for him.

Many issues were discussed in the chat. Among other things, people with disabilities hope to receive attention from the government regarding employment, access to education, training and others. They also prayed for Ganjar to become a future leader who cares for disabled groups.

"Many of us are unemployed because it is difficult to find work. Many companies don't want to accept people with disabilities to work," said Reza Fahmi, 40, another person with disabilities to Ganjar.

In fact, he continued, people with disabilities are no different from other people. They can also work well like others, even though they have limitations.

"We have known Mr. Ganjar for a long time and we know that Mr. Ganjar really cares about disabled groups. We hope that Mr. Ganjar can become president and can expand access for people with disabilities so they can be independent," he concluded.

On that occasion, Ganjar appreciated the disabled groups who are members of the Pospera Independent Business Entity (BUMI) who are enthusiastic about living independently. They worked diligently and proved that they were equal.

"Of course I appreciate the enthusiasm of my friends who want to be independent and work. Of course they need assistance, so the state must be present in this matter," he explained.

Apart from mentoring, Ganjar's access to further education must also be considered. It is time for all schools in Indonesia to become inclusive schools so that they can accommodate disabled groups to receive education.

"Many also complain that it is difficult to get a job. Apart from training us to be independent like this, it seems important that the state also takes affirmative action. The government seems to have to force employers to provide worker quotas for friends with disabilities," he concluded.