The International Labour Organization (ILO) participated in an interactive talk show titled “Voices in Signs: Uniting for Inclusion and Sustainability” in Jakarta, Indonesia, to commemorate International Sign Language Day. Organized by state-owned enterprise Pertamina, the event brought together speakers from Pertamina, the National Commissioner on Disability, and the Indonesian Sign Language Centre (Pusbisindo). Representing the ILO, Programme Officer Dina Sari presented findings from the organization’s latest study, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by people with disabilities in the labour market. The study revealed that individuals with disabilities in Indonesia are less likely to participate in the workforce, earn lower wages, face higher unemployment, and are more often self-employed.
According to the 2019 National Economic and Social Survey, about nine percent of Indonesia’s population, or 23.3 million people, have disabilities, with 2.2 percent experiencing severe disabilities. Most workers with disabilities are employed in low-level, informal sector jobs with minimal wages. For instance, among 100 individuals with type 3 disabilities, only 22 are employed. For those with hearing impairments, Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) is essential for daily communication, and the absence of sign language interpreters in recruitment and workplace settings creates significant barriers to employment and career advancement.
Dina Sari presented actionable recommendations to improve the inclusion of workers with hearing impairments. In recruitment, measures such as providing sign language interpreters during interviews, offering written assessments instead of phone calls, and focusing job descriptions on essential tasks were emphasized. For workplace support, the recommendations included sign language services for meetings and training sessions, as well as accessible technologies like video relay services.
To support career development, the ILO proposed ensuring equal access to training and promotion opportunities for workers with hearing impairments. Organizational culture transformation was also highlighted, suggesting basic sign language courses, raising awareness on disability inclusion, involving workers with disabilities in decision-making, and celebrating the diversity of sign languages in the workplace. These measures aim to remove barriers and foster equal opportunities for people with hearing impairments in Indonesia.
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