Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Inclusive Policy Strengthened as DPRK Banda Aceh Holds Public Hearing with Disability Community

AHMAD ZULFIKAR SAGALA - Friday, 29 May 2026 15:00

PHOTO: Adli Safwan

VOICES OF INCLUSION: The Banda Aceh DPRK holds a Public Hearing Meeting under the theme “Listening to the Voices of Persons with Disabilities, Strengthening Inclusive Policy” to gather aspirations and promote barrier-free urban governance.

BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM – The Banda Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) held a Public Hearing Meeting (Rapat Dengar Pendapat Umum/RDPU) on Monday, May 25, 2025, to directly listen to the aspirations of persons with disabilities. The forum carried the theme "Listening to the Voices of Persons with Disabilities, Strengthening Inclusive Policy."

The session was led by the Deputy Speaker II of DPRK Banda Aceh, Dr. Musriadi, M.Pd. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in organizing the RDPU, describing it as an important platform for shaping an inclusive urban policy framework.

"The City of Banda Aceh is committed to inclusive development, which covers education, healthcare, accessible public facilities, and social participation," Musriadi stated.

Legal Framework for Education, Employment, and Social Protection

Musriadi explained that the municipal government has already issued several regulatory instruments to support inclusivity, including Mayor Regulation No. 14/2017 on inclusive education and public accessibility, as well as Regulation No. 19/2018 on social assistance for persons with disabilities.

He further noted that Regulation No. 1/2018 sets employment quotas for persons with disabilities, requiring at least 2% placement in government institutions, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), and 1% in private companies.

Ongoing Challenges and Policy Commitment

Despite these policy advances, Musriadi acknowledged that several challenges remain, particularly in access to public services, education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and political participation.

"The DPRK Banda Aceh is committed to strengthening regulations, improving budget oversight, and promoting universally accessible urban development," he said, representing the PAN Party.

Through the RDPU, the DPRK hopes that the voices of persons with disabilities will serve as a foundation for more inclusive, equitable, and humane city governance. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala