Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, made a brief but meaningful visit to the office of SIGAB (Sasana Inklusi dan Gerakan Advokasi Difabel Indonesia) in Yogyakarta on Monday (11/8), as part of Australia’s broader commitment to supporting disability inclusion through the INKLUSI program.
In a warm and inclusive gesture, Ambassador Brazier introduced himself by describing his physical appearance: “My name is Rod Brazier, I am the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia. I’m a man, 178 centimeters tall, and I’m wearing a batik shirt.”
The thoughtful self-description reflected his awareness of accessible communication, especially for those in the room with visual disabilities, and set the tone for an engaging and respectful exchange. He also observed SIGAB’s braille production room, where accessible reading materials are developed to support the education and literacy of persons with visual impairments
During the two-hour visit, SIGAB Executive Director, Joni Yulianto, delivered a presentation highlighting its programs, achievements, and approaches to strengthening disability inclusion at both systemic and grassroots levels. Ambassador Brazier was particularly impressed by SIGAB’s efforts to push for the issuance of 42 disability-inclusive regulations at provincial, city, and village levels.
Joni expressed his hope that the visit would encourage stronger advocacy and high-level diplomacy to ensure these regulations are implemented effectively.
“We hope our experience can be recognised and included in both countries’ diplomacy and advocacy,” he said.
Under the INKLUSI initiative, SIGAB runs the Strengthening Social Inclusion for Disability Equity and Rights (SOLIDER) program, which expands access to inclusive employment, supports economic recovery, and promotes the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Among its efforts, SIGAB has facilitated the formation of community disability groups (Kelompok Difabel Kelurahan/Kecamatan/Desa or KDK/D), which empower persons with disabilities to take part in government planning and policy development.
Several members of KDK and KDD joined the meeting with the Ambassador, sharing how the program has improved disability data, expanded access to jobs and income opportunities, and strengthened peer support networks.
The visit also served as a prelude to Temu Inklusi, a biannual national gathering of organizations of persons with disabilities, local governments, and communities, where best practices on disability inclusion are exchanged and promoted. This year’s event will bring together hundreds of participants from across Indonesia in Cirebon.
Closing the visit, Ambassador Brazier praised SIGAB’s achievements: “I’m truly impressed by what you’ve accomplished, especially in driving the issuance of local legislation that promotes disability inclusion. I wish you all the best for the upcoming Temu Inklusi event,” he said.
