Chronic Illnesses Now Recognized as Disabilities, IPB University Scholar: A Progressive, Medically Grounded Step
Constitutional Court (MK) Decision No. 130/PUU-XXIII/2025, which allows chronic illnesses to be categorized as physical disabilities following a professional medical assessment, marks a significant milestone in the development of health law and the protection of human rights in Indonesia.
Dr Lina Noviyanti Sutardi, Chairperson of the Occupational Safety and Health (K3) Division at the Office of Campus Security, Safety, and Protection at IPB University, described this policy as a significant milestone in the development of health law in Indonesia.
“This ruling opens access to more inclusive legal protection and services for individuals with long-term health conditions that result in functional limitations,” she said.
According to her, the ruling expands the definition of physical disability under Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities.
“From an evidence based medical perspective, this Constitutional Court ruling is an appropriate and progressive step because many chronic diseases clearly result in long-term physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functional limitations,” said Dr Lina.
This lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) at IPB University explained that this approach aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, which views disability as the result of an interaction between health conditions and environmental factors, rather than merely a permanent condition that is physically apparent.
Professional Medical Assessment Required
Dr Lina emphasized that not all chronic diseases are automatically categorized as disabilities, as determining such status requires a professional medical assessment. This process involves a comprehensive medical assessment that includes clinical history, physical and neurological examinations, the use of standardized assessment tools, psychosocial evaluation, and long term medical record documentation.
“The basis is not merely the disease diagnosis, but the presence or absence of significant and sustained functional limitations that are medically substantiated,” she explained.
She added that in certain cases, the assessment also involves a multidisciplinary team, such as specialists, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, and social workers, to ensure a holistic evaluation.
Although it has positive impacts, the implementation of this policy still faces challenges, including potential discrepancies in assessment standards across healthcare facilities, a shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, and the risk of abuse of disability status. Therefore, the government needs to develop uniform national assessment guidelines and strengthen the health data verification and integration system.
According to her, this legal recognition has the potential to provide significant benefits for people with chronic illnesses, ranging from prioritized access to healthcare services, protection against workplace discrimination, to easier access to public facilities and social protection programs.
“If standardization, capacity building for healthcare workers, and oversight are effectively implemented, this ruling can serve as a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable social protection system,” she said.
She hopes this policy will reduce social stigma while ensuring that individuals with chronic illnesses receive equal recognition and opportunities in society. (Fj)
