Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno officially opened the 2025 Art Festival for People with Disabilities at Jakarta Arts Building (GKJ), Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (8/5).

The event themed 'Igniting the Spirit of Art in Welcoming Jakarta's 500th Anniversary' will be held on Wednesday (8/6) by involving 154 participants.

"The Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to providing equal space and opportunities for all residents, including people with disabilities, to work and express themselves, as well as contribute to the city's advancement," he said.

According to him, the city's development acceleration should not only focus on infrastructure but also on developing competitive, open-minded, and collaborative human resources, as this festival represents a realization of human resource development.

Therefore, he emphasized the importance of involving all citizens, including those with special needs, in the city's growth to foster a sense of collective ownership.

He added that art is a valuable platform for individuals to showcase their creativity and talent.

"Art serves as a medium to express diversity and at the same time affirming that physical limitations are not an obstacle to channeling passion, imagination, and potential through various works of arts," he explained.

He affirmed that the government continues to expand access and creative spaces for people with disabilities, not just in arts, but also in education, employment, transportation, and public services.

"An inclusive global city must be built without leaving anyone behind. No one left behind," he asserted.

Head of Jakarta Culture Agency Miftahulloh Tammary explained that the festival features three competitions, namely Traditional Creative Dance Competition (group) with 110 participants, Drawing Competition with 25 participants, Solo Vocal Competition with 19 participants.

"The participants are assisted by Education Agency, Social Agency, and disability communities in Jakarta," he added.

For the winners, his side prepared cash prizes Rp12,500,000 for the top five dance groups, Rp3,600,000 for the top five drawing participants, and Rp3,600,000 for the top five solo vocalists.

"Besides competitions, we are also holding artwork and craft exhibitions by people with disabilities, as well as bazaar," he said.