Navigating a Hearing City: Reflections on Urban Inclusivity from the Eyes of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Youths in Surakarta, Indonesia

Namira Fathya [Research Assistant, Kota Kita Foundation]

Wulandari Anindya Kana [Communications Officer, Kota Kita Foundation]

Vanesha Manuturi [Kota Kita Foundation]

Fildzah Husna Amalina [Kota Kita Foundation]

This research study reflects on the importance of inclusive communication methods, through the broader use of BISINDO, as means to improve ATI for Deaf people and foster more inclusive public spaces in a city. The study is conducted by Kota Kita Foundation, a civil society organization based in Surakarta, Indonesia, working to promote citizen participation in urban development in collaboration with the Surakarta chapter of the Indonesian Association for the Welfare of the Deaf (IAWD) and local arts collective, Ruang Atas.  

In promoting more inclusive urban environments in Solo, our research study concludes that a crucial first step is in supporting the mission of Deaf organizations such as IAWD in increasing public awareness on the needs and culture of the Deaf community, particularly related to BISINDO as the mother tongue and primary mode of communication for Indonesian Deaf individuals.