Introduction

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is a pivotal international treaty designed to ensure equal opportunities and fundamental freedoms for individuals with disabilities. Since coming into force in 2008, it has helped persons with disabilities navigate a society that has often overlooked their unique needs and experiences. Indonesia, recognizing the importance of this global initiative, ratified the UNCRPD in 2011, beginning a transformative national journey towards disability inclusion.

Disability in Indonesia exists within a diverse social, economic, and cultural landscape, with an estimated 22 million Indonesians living with disabilities or 8.5% of the total populations according to Indonesia Central Bureau of Statistics. Many individuals continue to face barriers in accessing essential services often due structural constraints. Research also highlights gaps in accessibility within public infrastructure, with studies noting limited inclusive urban design, such as accessible sidewalks and pedestrian facilities, which affects mobility and participation in daily life. These challenges underscore the need to strengthen inclusive planning and expand disability‑responsive services across sectors. At the same time, Indonesia has made important strides in strengthening its policy foundations. The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the enactment of Law No. 8/2016 laid the groundwork for a rights‑based approach to disability inclusion.

The United Nations in Indonesia plays a crucial role in advancing disability inclusion through the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS). Initiated in April 2018 by the Secretary-General, the strategy’s comprehensive framework stresses that the human rights of individuals with disabilities are inseparable from broader human rights and freedoms. It commits the UN system to integrate these rights both externally through programming, and internally by fostering an inclusive workplace environment where individuals with disabilities can participate on equal footing with their peers. The strategy aligns with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other international human rights agreements and development commitments.

This strategy is underpinned by a robust accountability framework comprising 14 indicators for entity accountability and a United Nations Country Team (UNCT) accountability scorecard for disability inclusion. These components provide timelines and technical guidance, and delineate responsibilities, ensuring the strategy is effectively implemented.

The UN Disability Inclusion Scorecard outlines 14 indicators within four core areas: Leadership, Strategic Planning and Management; Inclusiveness; Programming; and Organizational Culture. This comprehensive approach encompasses both programming and internal operations, enabling UNCTs to plan and report on their disability inclusion strategies. It serves as both a planning and accountability tool, with UNCTs required to provide annual progress updates on each indicator. UN Indonesia implements the Disability Inclusion Scorecard annually and reports on all core areas and dedicated indicators. All UN in Indonesia initiatives and activities on disability inclusion directly support progress in meeting and exceeding the scorecard requirements.

In this Knowledge Management Product, we examine the dynamic landscape of disability inclusion in Indonesia. We cover progress made, challenges encountered, and ways forward. In doing so, it becomes clear that a concerted effort is essential to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.