Mainstreaming Disability Issues in Prison Reform: Experiences and Lessons Learned from the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice

Since 2012, The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice (AIPJ2), has been actively addressing disability issues within the justice sector. One of their key initiatives involves fostering collaboration between civil society organizations and disabled persons organizations to strengthen policy advocacy in the justice sector, particularly regarding the rights of persons with disabilities. In 2018, they embarked on a baseline study to integrate the disability perspective into the correctional business process. This study was conducted in partnership with the Directorate of General Corrections, which recognized the value of data-driven decision-making processes like other government agencies in Indonesia.

To comprehensively understand the existing conditions and challenges faced by the Directorate General Corrections and corrections officials in upholding the rights of inmates with disabilities, The Asia Foundation collaborated with PUSHAM UII, SIGAB (Sasana Advokasi dan Integrasi Difabel), and CDS (Center of Detention Studies). The study was completed with assistance from SIGAB and CDS, in close coordination with the Directorate of Treatment of DGC, the primary audience for the survey.

The findings have been instrumental in compelling the Directorate of General Corrections to improve its services for inmates with disabilities. Moreover, this study has served as a starting point for AIPJ2, The Asia Foundation, and PUSHAM UII to advocate for and integrate the perspective of disability rights for a more inclusive and equitable justice system.