Australian GEDSI Alumni Network: Reflecting on a Decade of Disability Law Reform in Indonesia

Marking the tenth anniversary of Indonesia’s Law No. 8 of 2016 on People with Disabilities, the Australian GEDSI Alumni Network hosted a hybrid discussion titled ‘Alumni Reflection on Disability Law No. 8 of 2016: Pathways of Policy Influence and the Future of Inclusive Reform in Indonesia’ on 21 May 2026 in Jakarta and online. The event brought together Australian alumni and professionals from across sectors to reflect on the progress of disability inclusion in Indonesia and explore pathways for future inclusive development.

Hosted by Australian alumna Nurhayati Ratna Sari Dewi and officially opened by fellow alumna Cucu Saidah, representing the Australian GEDSI Alumni Network Steering Committee, the forum also featured opening remarks from Catri Citraningtias of the GEDSI Hub at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. The event featured a keynote speech by Dr Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Economy and Digital Transformation at the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), as well as remarks by Rizky Argama, Executive Director of the Centre for Indonesian Law and Policy Studies (PSHK). Public orations were delivered by Yeni Rosa Damayanti, Chairperson of Perhimpunan Jiwa Sehat Indonesia and Senior Disability Advocate, and Australian alumnus Richard Kennedy, a Young Disability Advocate.

Moderated by Alviani Sabillah, Researcher at the Centre for Indonesian Law and Policy Studies (PSHK), the panel discussion brought together Australian alumni Maulani Rotinsulu, Executive Board Member of the ASEAN Disability Forum; Erlina Malinda, Coordinator of Communication and Partnership at Children and Youth Disabilities for Change (CYDC); and Fajri Nursyamsi, Deputy Executive Director at PSHK. Together, the speakers shared insights on the progress, challenges and opportunities in advancing disability inclusion in Indonesia.

The discussion highlighted how Law No. 8 of 2016 shifted Indonesia’s approach to disability from a charity-based perspective to a rights-based framework that recognises people with disabilities as rights holders entitled to dignity, equality, participation and inclusion. Speakers also emphasised the importance of strengthening inclusive public services, promoting equitable participation and ensuring disability perspectives are integrated into broader national development agendas.

As part of the closing session, Lia Marpaung, Gender Equality and Disability Adviser at Australia Awards in Indonesia, highlighted the importance of sustained leadership, collaboration and cross-sector partnerships in advancing Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in Indonesia. The forum also encouraged participants to reflect on the collective efforts needed to foster more inclusive and equitable progress across the country.

Bringing together Australian alumni and experts from diverse backgrounds, the event provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, while reinforcing the role of Australian alumni in supporting inclusive development and strengthening Australia-Indonesia cooperation on GEDSI application.