Hundreds of Disabled People Threatened with Being Neglected
Wednesday, 28 February, 2007 | 15:12 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta: A total of 891 fully disabled people in Yogyakarta are threatened with being neglected as a result of the earthquake on May 27, 2006.

The reason for this is that foreign NGOs that had provided them with assistance since the earthquake occurred now no longer provide aid.

In fact, in addition to being permanently handicapped, most of them are now suffering from trauma.

In order to prevent the disabled people from being neglected, the Health Agency of Yogyakarta Province is to start taking action.

“Currently, we are preparing the development of a rehabilitation center as well as an instiitution for them,” said Bondan Agus Suryanto, Head of the Health Agency in Yogyakarta Special Territory, on Wednesday (02/28).

At the institution, the disabled people will be trained in various skills as well as at the same time improving their mental health.

The development of the institution that is located in Bantul Regency will be financed by the state budget as well as assistance from foreign NGOs prior to leaving Yogyakarta.

The management of the institution, in addition to involving officers of Health Agency, will also invite various organizations that are concerned about disabled people, including the YAKKUM rehabilitation institution.

Syaiful Amin