PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) as a momentum is a reminder that a city must ensure that every citizen has the same opportunity to develop, participate, and enjoy a living space without obstacles.

This was conveyed by the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, at the Bandung City level International Day of Persons with Disabilities Commemoration held at Laswi Heritage, Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

"A developed city is not only one that builds its infrastructure, but one that ensures that all its citizens feel the benefits of development fairly," said Farhan.

He said that people with disabilities are not just a group that needs to be helped, but rather an important part of the development of the city of Bandung.

"People with disabilities are partners in development. They have the capacity, creativity, and significant contributions to advancing this city," he continued.

Farhan said that the Bandung City Government continues to open access and implement inclusive policies for all residents.

These efforts include increasing accessibility to public facilities, fulfilling basic service rights, strengthening inclusive education and employment, and strengthening institutions for people with disabilities.

Through the commemoration of HDI 2025, Farhan reaffirmed the government's long-term commitment.

"Inclusion isn't just an annual slogan. It's a long-term agenda that we're pushing through regulations, programs, budgets, and concrete support on the ground," he said.

He acknowledged that there are still challenges to overcome. However, he believes these challenges should not be a reason to give up.

"Challenges actually motivate us to continuously improve ourselves, strengthen collaboration, and open up broader dialogue with the disability community. Good policies only arise from the courage to listen and understand," said Farhan.

Farhan expressed his appreciation to the Bandung City Social Service and all partners who organized HDI activities.

"Through cross-sector collaboration, we want to ensure that services and facilities for people with disabilities are more accessible and truly impactful," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Social Service, Yorisa Sativa, said that this activity aims to increase public awareness about the importance of social inclusion, eliminate negative stigma, and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

"We want to ensure that people with disabilities can work without barriers, receive equal treatment, and feel like a full part of society," Yorisa explained.

The 2025 HDI commemoration carries the global theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” which means fostering inclusive societies to encourage social progress.

The local theme for the city of Bandung is “Rancage: Rangkul Maké Cinta, Ajénan, Gerakkeun”, which emphasizes the values of embracing, respecting, and moving society towards inclusion.

In Bandung City, there are 30,012 people with disabilities. The three most common types of disabilities are: blindness (10,202 people) (33.98%), multiple disabilities (7,710 people) (25.69%), and physical disabilities (5,460 people) (18.19%).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, through the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), also found that 59% of disabilities were caused by disease, 26% by accidents, injuries, or violence, 14% by congenital abnormalities, and 1% by unknown causes. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office)