MINORITAS URBAN: Mencari Jalan Setara

Summary

This transcript highlights the experiences of a woman with a disability navigating public transportation in Jakarta. She shares her challenges, including the lack of accessible infrastructure for disabled individuals and the reliance on taxis for safe and reliable mobility. The script emphasizes the importance of accessible transportation systems, highlighting the struggles with steep ramps, crowded buses, and uncooperative public spaces. The narrative also touches on the broader issue of urban planning, with a call for better accommodations for people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women, alongside the need for greater awareness and action.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker contracted polio at the age of 3.5 years due to the lack of vaccines during their early years.
• 😀 The speaker has been living with paraplegia, making it difficult to walk and requiring the assistance of others for mobility.
• 😀 Public transport in Jakarta, such as Transjakarta, lacks accessibility features for people with disabilities, making it challenging to navigate.
• 😀 The speaker prefers taxis over other forms of public transportation due to the reliability and trust they have in taxi drivers to assist them.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of accessible infrastructure, such as ramps and lifts, to facilitate mobility for people with disabilities.
• 😀 The absence of proper disability-friendly infrastructure in Jakarta, like accessible busways and pedestrian walkways, creates significant barriers.
• 😀 Despite the 2016 Indonesian disability law (UU No. 8/2016), implementation of accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities in Jakarta is lacking.
• 😀 The speaker experiences frustration with urban planning, where streets and pedestrian areas are often obstructed by street vendors or parked cars.
• 😀 The speaker’s experience in Singapore contrasts sharply with Jakarta, noting that Singapore has well-designed, accessible public transport systems, including wheelchair-friendly buses and MRT stations.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for improved urban infrastructure not only for people with disabilities but also for other groups such as elderly people and pregnant women, to ensure broader accessibility.

Q & A

What caused the speaker’s disability?

The speaker's disability was caused by polio, which they contracted at the age of 3.5 years due to the lack of vaccination during that time.

How does the speaker describe the accessibility of public transportation in Jakarta for people with disabilities?

The speaker highlights several challenges in Jakarta's public transportation system, including poorly designed pathways, lack of ramps, and crowded conditions. These issues make it difficult for people with disabilities to navigate the city independently.

Why does the speaker prefer using taxis over public transportation?

The speaker prefers taxis because they are more reliable, can be trusted, and provide better assistance. Unlike public transportation, taxis allow them to receive the support they need from the driver, ensuring a safer and smoother journey.

What improvements does the speaker suggest for the transportation infrastructure?

The speaker recommends several improvements, such as better access to transportation, smoother and safer ramps, reliable elevators, and ensuring that public transport is not overcrowded. They also suggest removing obstacles like illegal parking and street vendors that block sidewalks.

What specific transportation service does the speaker use, and what is its benefit?

The speaker uses the Transjakarta Care service, which offers free transport for people with disabilities. The benefit of this service is that it is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that users with disabilities can travel more easily.

What is the speaker’s experience with using the busway in Jakarta?

The speaker finds using the busway difficult due to its crowded nature and poorly designed accessibility features, such as steep ramps. This makes it challenging for people in wheelchairs to travel safely and comfortably.

What does the speaker mention about the design of sidewalks and pedestrian paths?

The speaker points out that many sidewalks and pedestrian paths are poorly designed or blocked by vendors, making it difficult for people with disabilities to navigate the city. This lack of accessible pathways poses significant challenges to mobility.

How does the speaker describe the condition of lifts and other accessible facilities in Jakarta?

The speaker notes that although some accessible facilities like lifts are available, they often have limited operating hours or are in poor condition. For example, some lifts only operate until 4 PM, which is not convenient for people with disabilities who need to travel after that time.

What comparison does the speaker make between Jakarta and another city regarding accessibility?

The speaker compares Jakarta to Singapore, highlighting that Singapore provides better accessibility for people with disabilities. Singapore's public transport system is fully equipped with accessible features like ramps, elevators, and toilets, making it a model for inclusive design.

What role does the speaker's family or companions play in helping with mobility?

The speaker mentions that their family, especially their sibling, plays a key role in assisting them with mobility, such as helping to navigate difficult ramps or supporting them in public spaces. This assistance is crucial for ensuring their safety and ease of movement.