Tim Stapleton, Minister Counsellor for Governance and Human Development at the Australian Embassy, visited Probolinggo in February 2025 to observe the implementation of the INKLUSI Program in the region. The visit aimed to learn about program achievements and discuss ongoing efforts to promote disability inclusion at the local level.
The INKLUSI Program in Probolinggo is implemented by Sasana Integrasi Gerakan Advokasi Difabel (SIGAB) in collaboration with its local partner, Pelopor Peduli Disabilitas Situbondo (PPDiS). This initiative also works alongside another DFAT-supported program, KIAT-GESIT, which focuses on gender equality and social inclusion in infrastructure development. Through this collaboration, the program seeks to enhance infrastructure accessibility for people with disabilities in Probolinggo.
The collaboration between Australia and Indonesia, particularly with Probolinggo, is built on a shared commitment to improving the well-being of people with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive city, – Tim Stapleton
Tim Stapleton commended the collective efforts in Probolinggo to advance disability inclusion. “The collaboration between Australia and Indonesia, particularly with Probolinggo, is built on a shared commitment to improving the well-being of people with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive city,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, the Probolinggo city government expressed hope that the partnership between Australia and Indonesia would further strengthen local development efforts, particularly in creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities.
Wawan Sugiantono, Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development at the Probolinggo City Government, highlighted the importance of this partnership in supporting inclusive regional development. Since 2022, the city government has been working with PPDiS through the Strengthening Social Inclusion for Disability Equity and Rights (SOLIDER) Program, supported by INKLUSI. This initiative has contributed to improving access to services and infrastructure while strengthening the participation of people with disabilities in various social and economic aspects of life.
During the visit, representatives from SIGAB and PPDiS shared key activities undertaken to support disability inclusion, including skills training for people with disabilities and policy advocacy to enhance accessibility at the local level. Moch Syamsudin, Deputy Director of SIGAB Indonesia, underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a more inclusive environment. “The success of inclusive development relies on the active participation of people with disabilities, the government, and the private sector in planning and policy implementation,” he said.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of various stakeholders to making Probolinggo a more inclusive city for all its residents. Through the INKLUSI Program and ongoing strategic partnerships, more regions are expected to adopt disability-inclusive policies, ensuring that no one is left behind in development.
