Sultan (44 years old), an active member of the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities (PPDI) in Central Sulawesi, has lived with limited mobility in his left leg since childhood. Despite this challenge, he has remained actively engaged in his community. Sultan joined PPDI in 2015, driven by a strong desire to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and to deepen his understanding of their roles in various aspects of life, including disaster situations.
Before becoming involved in the organization, Sultan admitted that he had little awareness of the importance of involving persons with disabilities in disaster risk management. However, the devastating earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Palu, Central Sulawesi, in 2018 became a turning point in his life. Amid the crisis, Sultan began actively participating in initiatives that highlighted disability inclusion in disaster response. It was during this time that he connected with YAKKUM Emergency Unit (YEU) and CBM Global Indonesia, both of which were providing humanitarian assistance in Palu. This encounter opened new perspectives for Sultan, inspiring him to learn more about inclusive disaster management.
In 2025, Sultan participated in the SEHATI Project, implemented by YEU in collaboration with the Indonesian Society for Disaster Management (MPBI), with primary support from CBM Global Indonesia. He consistently participated in various project activities, including the regular meetings of the Older People, Disability, and Other At-Risk Groups (LDR) Sub-Cluster, which served as a platform for coordination and shared learning.
A valuable opportunity arose when a major disaster struck Sumatra. Sultan was entrusted to take part directly in the emergency response in Aceh Province. This mission went beyond the distribution of humanitarian aid. It also involved reviewing the implementation of inclusive emergency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by PPDI and HWDI, as well as the LDR Sub-Cluster protocols at national, provincial, and district/city levels. In addition, the response aimed to strengthen stakeholder sensitivity, promote the application of the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach, and enhance the capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other at-risk groups in inclusive disaster management.
Throughout the process, Sultan played a key role in introducing the LDR Sub-Cluster to the Aceh Provincial Government, particularly the Provincial Social Affairs Office. Drawing on his firsthand experience during the Palu disaster, he emphasized the importance of meaningfully involving persons with disabilities at every stage of crisis response. He stressed that persons with disabilities should not be seen merely as recipients, but as active contributors with valuable knowledge and lived experience in building more inclusive disaster responses.
Beyond government coordination, Sultan also actively facilitated capacity-building sessions for OPDs and local organizations in Banda Aceh. Through these sharing sessions, he encouraged participants to better understand the vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities during disasters. Using simple and accessible language, Sultan explained the differences between disasters and hazards, introduced various types of disasters—both sudden-onset and slow-onset—and discussed practical mitigation measures.
For Sultan, his involvement in this response became a meaningful learning experience that further enriched his understanding of inclusive disaster management in real-life situations. He firmly believes that persons with disabilities must not be left behind during emergencies. More importantly, at-risk groups, including OPDs, must be meaningfully engaged in every stage of disaster preparedness and response to ensure that humanitarian action is truly inclusive and equitable.