Protecting the rights of air passengers with disabilities

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.

YLBHI supported Cucu in meetings with senior representatives of Garuda to make representations based on the UN Convention that Indonesia has ratified and the national Law on Persons with Disabilities of 2011.

The company agreed to implement a range of measures to make it easier for passenger with disabilities to travel, including the addition of Ambulift and Mobichair facilities and new policies and training to improve accessibility.