PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The city of Bandung affirms its commitment to equality and social inclusion that is friendly to all groups, including people with disabilities.

This spirit was realized at the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 at the Bandung City Social Service Office (10/11/2024).

Carrying the theme "Working Without Stigma", this year's HDI commemoration was attended by 1,500 participants consisting of people with disabilities, communities, companions, and community organizations.

On this occasion, the Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara, appreciated various parties who have contributed to realizing equality for people with disabilities in the City of Bandung.

"Bandung City must be a friendly place for all. No stigma, no barriers, everyone has the same opportunity to socialize, contribute, and build the city together," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of eliminating ego in creating an inclusive society.

“By paying attention to people with disabilities, we learn to respect each other and work together to build a better city,” he said.

"Happy commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this is with a motivation that in the future we must consciously provide equal opportunities for all citizens," he added.

Meanwhile, Head of the Bandung City Social Service, Soni Bachtiar, explained the latest data on people with disabilities in the city. Until December 2024, there were 7,368 people with disabilities, the majority of whom suffered from physical disabilities (24.06 percent).

The main causative factors are disease (59 percent), followed by accidents or violence (26 percent) and congenital abnormalities (14 percent).

For this reason, the Social Service is intensifying prevention efforts through education about healthy living, orderly traffic, and collaboration with communities and health institutions.

Soni said that this event was not only a commemoration, but also a momentum to strengthen collaboration between stakeholders.

"We must continue to be committed to creating an inclusive Bandung City, where people with disabilities can work without stigma," he said.

For your information, the 2024 HDI event is filled with various interesting programs that focus on empowering and including people with disabilities, including:

- Job Fair for People with Disabilities: presents job opportunities from various companies.

- Art Performance: featuring works from the disability community, including the Yayasan Guruku Indonesia and SLBN Cicendo.

- Inspirational Award: an award for individuals and companies who actively support disability rights.

- Assistance in the form of tools and basic necessities: distribution of tools worth Rp25.6 million and 670 basic necessities packages from various social institutions.

- Special Services: provision of population administration services, health checks, legal counseling, and skills training.

- Creative Bazaar: exhibiting creative works from people with disabilities. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)