Disabilities are a major contributing factor to poverty in many countries. Individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be out of the labor force and three times more likely to be poor. This difference may be attributed to a lack of national health care and limited access to workforce participation, with only 18.7% of people with disabilities in Indonesia employed.

Regarding hearing disabilities, there are many forms of sign language for each language. Therefore, learning multiple sign languages is important for communication with individuals within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This aids sign language education in a way that allows more deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to sign and be understood by hearing people. A 2024 report revealed that 38.8 million people in Indonesia have disabilities, with 2.6 million having hearing impairments. The Indonesian government ratified the Convention on Disability Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Law Number 19 of 2011. Alongside this was the enactment of seven regulations under Law Number 8 of 2016, which highlight the importance of equal rights for persons with disabilities. The government hopes to empower persons with disabilities through national development. Empowering persons with hearing disabilities helps advance the broader effort to reduce poverty through expanded access to sign language education. Indonesia promotes a philosophy of inclusivity through communication and highlights the importance of accessibility in fighting poverty as a result of inequality.

Sign Language Training at UGM

Sign language training was introduced at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2023 as part of the university’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The training specifically fits within SDG 4, which “ensures inclusive and quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all,” and SDG 16, which promotes “peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” The training was held for non-teaching staff but included many student participants as well.

In 2024, UGM held a sign language training with a member of the Indonesian Sign Language Center, presenting on the importance of regional diversity within communication. In her presentation, Raihana Mahira Dhaniswari, or Dhanis, explained the different regional sign languages within Indonesia and highlighted the importance of being able to learn and recognize all of them. Dhaniswari pointed out that, for people who can hear, sign language learning is gradual and that difficulties can be aided by people with hearing disabilities who are often eager to provide guidance.

This training has helped open up opportunities to students, such as accommodations for students in admission tests. The 2025 test accommodated eight test-takers with disabilities, three of whom had hearing impairments.

Sign Language Training With UNDP Indonesia

UNDP Indonesia held sign language training attended by about 30 participants from various teams to further its own SDGs that address poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. These goals are aligned with principles of integration, universality, and inclusivity, promoting a “no one is left behind” philosophy. In collaboration with a research and development center for sign language in Indonesia called Pusat Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia, UNDP Indonesia held multiple sign language trainings in 2024 from August to October. UNDP believes that, along with communication, sign language is crucial for promoting Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI), connecting back to the “no one is left behind” philosophy. Through sign language training, UNDP Indonesia hopes to increase inclusivity in social, economic, educational, employment, and political processes.

Sign Language Training With CBM

Christian Blind Mission, or CBM, is a group dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities living in poverty in a way that allows them to actively and meaningfully participate in society. In West Java, a group of deaf individuals, as part of a Self-Help Group supported by a CBM project, is empowering other deaf individuals through sign language training. The training is assisted by local government, disability advocates, youth organizations, and community members.

CBM identifies barriers to communication, education, and social inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. Limited awareness and access to sign language education isolate many people in the hard-of-hearing community. CBM views sign language as a mode of empowerment and dignity for people who are deaf and intends to address this through sign language training for people with hearing impairments. The training also extends to family and community members, broadening the awareness of the general public. CBM found that this group had an impact on the confidence of Self-Help Group members who were able to engage more with others through a better mode of communication. The relationships built between deaf and non-deaf people as a result help break down barriers and foster understanding between groups, benefiting not only the deaf community but the wider public.

What This Means for Fighting Poverty in Indonesia

Disability and poverty are intertwined due to the accessibility factors that inhibit people with disabilities from receiving equal treatment and opportunities in areas such as education and employment. Indonesia’s prioritization of SDGs that promote inclusivity and integration is shown through programs such as those at UGM, UNDP Indonesia, and CBM. Many organizations have also amended their policies to better accommodate people with disabilities. By prioritizing a society where people of all hearing abilities can communicate fully, Indonesia is helping people with hearing disabilities and other disabilities more broadly gain equal opportunities in education and employment, supporting a path out of poverty.

– Arden Schultz

Arden is based in Milford, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr