'Talent Stage', an Event for People with Disabilities Returns - Registration Opens from December 4, 2023

Kapanlagi.com - December 3 is commemorated as International Disability Day. This commemoration was initiated by the United Nations with the aim of raising public awareness of the benefits that can be gained from the integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, and economic life.

This year, the International Disability Day 2023 carries the theme 'United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities'.

Various parties participate in this commemoration, including Lions Club International. With 106 years of experience in providing services, 54 of which have been in Indonesia, Lions Club also pays attention to the fate of people with disabilities in living independently, especially in facing challenges in the job market and entrepreneurship in global competition.

The concern of Lions Club International through Lions Club Indonesia is manifested in the presence of Talenta Stage 2023, a stage that presents the collaboration of courage and the extraordinary talent of people with disabilities. It is a proof that physical limitations are not a barrier to realizing dreams and achievements. From performing arts, dance, to dozens of artistic creativity.

The Chairman of the Talenta Stage Organizer, Feby Rudy, also stated that this is the second sequel after the event in the previous year successfully produced stage stars with uniqueness, and now they have become professional artists.

1. Registration for Talent Stage Starts on December 4, 2024

This year, registration for Talenta Stage opens from December 4, 2023, throughout Indonesia, with the requirement of age 13-50 years. Registration is done through video submission which will be selected in various stages, the first stage only selected the top 60 participants, the second stage 12 selected participants will undergo a 30-day quarantine process until finding the top 3 who will enter the grand final.

The event will be opened by a direct speech from the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga S. Uno, and the Ministry of Social Affairs as a strategic partner of Talenta Stage on December 3, 2023. This proves that the government is not only present, but also realizes cross-sectoral cooperation with organizations such as Lions Club in serving the community.

Lions Club District 307A1, through its Governor Peter Djajadi, expresses concern for these disabled people as a form of attention to the health inequalities experienced by people with disabilities and serves as a reminder to all parties that they also have the same rights to health and well-being. People with disabilities need to obtain equal rights to participation and empowerment.

Lions Club, which has long been committed to 8 global services including eye treatment, environmental care, hunger alleviation, diabetes and childhood cancer, disaster response, youth care, and humanity, remains committed to providing services, protection, and facilitating people with disabilities to pursue their dreams without discrimination.

Today is celebrated through various activities with the message that disabled friends have the same opportunities and freedoms.

2. Number of People with Disabilities in Indonesia Increases

As known, people with disabilities are individuals who experience physical, intellectual, mental, and/or sensory limitations for a long period of time, which can hinder and make it difficult for them to fully and effectively participate in the environment with other citizens based on equal rights. The latest data even states that people with disabilities die 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. They also have twice the risk of diseases such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and poor oral health.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2022 showed that the number of people with disabilities in Indonesia reached around 22.5 million. This number has increased from 16.5 million people in 2021. This means there should be more opportunities in all aspects for disabled friends.

In addition, in some cases, disabled women, children, and psychosocial disabled individuals still have to struggle amidst multiple vulnerabilities. Not to mention the existence of stigma and institutionalization, as well as the lack of space in existing policy structures. These are the challenges that the government and authorities must face.

(kpl/gtr)