Flying With a Disability - Ending Discrimination at Garuda

Jakarta 14 March, 2013: When AIPJ’s disability rights coordinator, Cucu Saidah, was asked to fill out a form declaring that Garuda was not responsible for any illness she might experience during her flight, she had had enough. No other passengers were asked to sign this form and Cucu felt she was being discriminated against because she travels with a wheelchair.

“They insisted that I sign it, or I would not be allowed to fly. I was angry and protested about the policy on social media. YLBHI were very supportive and offered help with legal action." said Cucu.

She posted a petition on Change.org addressing her complaint to Garuda’s president director, Emirsyah Satar which received a quick apology from Pudjobroto, Garuda’s Vice President of Communications, who declared that the form would no longer apply, especially for people with disabilities. He met with Cucu on Thursday 13 March and said that Garuda would draft a new policy on special services for people with disabilities, including priority front seating.