The LSPR Institute of Communication and Business-Jakarta Indonesia and Nozominosono from Japan held a discussion on developmental disabilities to increase understanding of the issues and situations of people with developmental disorders in Indonesia and Japan.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The National Center for Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (Nozominosono) from Japan in collaboration with the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business of Indonesia, held a discussion and dialogue session 'Japan-Indonesia Roundtable Discussion on Developmental Disorders Learning Session' in Japan on March 7, 2023.

Present at the event included representatives of academics and the autism community from three ASEAN countries, namely Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR, FIPR (founder and CEO of the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business and the Secretariat General of the ASEAN Autism Network), Dr. Adriana Ginanjar (University of Indonesia), Dang Uy Koe (Autism Society Philippines), and Tam Pham (Vietnam Autism Network).

Dr. Adriana, who is also a parent of autistic individuals, expressed a holistic positive perspective on strategies to understand and assist persons with developmental disabilities in maximizing their quality of life.

“Focus on the positive aspects and develop their potential (individuals with disabilities) to the fullest means, don't just look at their weaknesses and try to change people with disabilities to behave like 'normal' or non-disabled people," Adriana said in her presentation.

The Director of Japan’s Department of Welfare for Children with Developmental Disabilities, Masaaki Kurihara, expressed the importance of collaboration among relevant ministries to develop cross-sectoral programs such as special education services, provision of information for disabilities and support for increasing job opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities.

The discussion aims to increase understanding of the issues and situations of people with developmental disorders in Indonesia and Japan, as well as strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and Japan by building a basis for exchange and dialogue between representatives of the two countries.

The event was held as part of the ERIA Research Project on Developmental Disabilities, which is a collaboration between the National Center for Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (Nozominosono) Japan and the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business-Jakarta Indonesia, under coordination with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

The event which took place at the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Welfare was also held to celebrate the 65 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia.

Reporting by Indonesia Window