Ministry Prepares Facilities for ASEAN High Level Forum on Disability

Makassar – Government through Ministry of Social Affairs is preparing facilities to ensure participants' accessibility at the ASEAN High Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025, in Makassar, South Sulawesi. 

The ministry's Inten Soewono Integrated Center (STIS) in Bogor, West Java, is preparing the accessibility facilities for people with disabilities in the Leang-leang Geopark Archaeological Park, South Sulawesi as one of the AHLF Venues. 

"We have measured and mapped several points. Later, we will install several supporting facilities for disabled participants, including portable toilets," the Head of STIS Bogor, M. O. Royani said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Royani emphasized that the AHLF event also represents Indonesia's image at the global level, so thorough preparations for the event were necessary with the involvement of several parties, including the Maros District Social Service, Maros District Tourism Service, and local authorities.

Earlier, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said that the AHLF event upholds the spirit of ASEAN countries' support for people with disabilities.

"No one is left behind, including those with disabilities," 

As information. the event will be held in Makassar on October 10-12, 2023, and will be attended by 200 participants from representatives of ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, ASEAN-affiliated organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, ASEAN dialogue partners, and academics.

Previously, Minister informed that she had visited Makassar twice to ensure preparations of disability-friendly access.

"We are in the process of providing access for persons with disabilities in some locations. This is to demonstrate that Makassar is a civilized society that respects the rights of persons with disabilities," the Minister informed. 

Her ministry will also introduce the history of Makassar City to AHLF participants by hosting a welcome dinner at Fort Rotterdam, a historical tourist attraction in the city.

AHLF aims to strengthen cooperation in the ASEAN through the effective projection of cooperation and partnerships on disability-inclusive development issues.