Aceh – Indonesia, Aceh Besar (Waspada Aceh) – A youth group from the Deaf community has requested the government to provide disaster warning signs and lights, enabling people with hearing disabilities to access safety information quickly during emergency situations.
The request was conveyed by Muhammad Rikal Qamara, affectionately known as Rikal, using sign language during a policy dialogue on women’s leadership for peace, humanitarian action, and a resilient Aceh at Orion Hall, Aceh Besar, Wednesday (30/9/2026).
Rikal hopes the government can introduce a visual warning system as an alternative to audio-based information, which often fails to reach the Deaf community.
“I hope the government can implement something like this in the future. Honestly, I really hope this can become a reality,” Rikal said through sign language.
According to him, the presence of warning signs and lights is crucial so that Deaf individuals can be aware of emergencies and take life-saving measures when a disaster strikes.
The dialogue addressed women’s leadership, humanitarian action, and efforts to build a resilient and inclusive Aceh, including ensuring that people with disabilities gain equal access to disaster management.
The event was combined with a screening of the documentary film Inong Peudame – Together, We Were Brave, produced by UN Women Indonesia alongside AMAN Indonesia and women peacebuilder organizations.
The dialogue was moderated by the Presidium of Balai Syura, Dr. Rasyidah, featuring speakers such as the Assistant Deputy for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK), Andre Notohamijoyo; Head of the Division for Economic, Social, Cultural Resilience, and Community Organizations at Kesbangpol Aceh, Muksalmina; and the Director of Flower Aceh, Riswati.
Rikal’s aspiration became part of the discussion highlighting the importance of ensuring the needs of people with disabilities are integrated into disaster preparedness and response planning.
The provision of a visual warning system is expected to be a key step in expanding access to safety information, ensuring the Deaf community is not left behind when disaster strikes. (*)