Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – Feeling marginalized and consistently treated differently from the general public, a person with disabilities, Irham, confides in Sawaludin, a legislative candidate for the Gorontalo Regional Representative Council (DPR-RI) from the PPP with number 3 on the list.
Irham, a resident of Botu Village, Dumbo Raya District, Gorontalo City, expressed his concerns when Sawaludin returned from a campaign dialogue in Tanah Putih Village, Botupingge District, Bone Bolango Regency, on Sunday (24/12/2023).
During the campaign convoy passing through the border between Gorontalo City and Bone Bolango Regency, it unexpectedly stopped at a house where several residents, including Irham, were eagerly awaiting Sawaludin’s presence.
In the brief meeting, Irham shared his grievances about his experiences in Gorontalo compared to when he was in Jakarta. Despite his physical limitations, Irham mentioned that he had undergone training in Jakarta for two years and worked there.
However, due to COVID-19, he had to return to Gorontalo, hoping to find employment in his hometown. Unfortunately, he encountered biased treatment from residents who looked down on him.
“In Jakarta, there was no difference between normal people and people with disabilities because they looked at skills. But in my hometown, it’s the opposite.
Until now, I have resigned because I’ve applied for jobs everywhere, but there are no openings just because of my limitations,” explained Irham.
When asked why he chose Sawaludin as a confidant, Irham stated that he believes Sawaludin is a candidate who is expected to be a caretaker and can realize the aspirations of the community, especially people with disabilities.
“I just got to know him recently; I think he is still young and can understand what I and other people with disabilities feel,” Irham hoped.(*)
Author: Deice