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PAGE 48 | MOWCAP 02 Exploring Indonesia
Exploring Indonesia
Suharso
Rehabilitation
Center Archives
Indonesia
After Indonesia's independence, Dr. Suharso became the pioneer of the
establishment of a modern rehabilitation center in Surakarta. From simple
attempts to make prosthetic legs and arms using whatever materials he
could find, such as wood, leather, and scrap metal from vehicles, he
succeeded in establishing Usaha Prothese Surakarta in 1946. The center
grew rapidly, receiving government and international support, and even
became a reference point in Asia in the 1950s–1970s. The patients here
not only receive medical treatment, but also job training so they can
become independent. This integrated rehabilitation system is a new model
that combines health, social, and empowerment services.
He also initiated sports for people with disabilities, which led to the world's
first Paralympics in 1957 in Surakarta. For his services, Dr. Suharso
received prestigious international awards and was awarded the title of
National Hero in 1973. His legacy is not only medical innovation, but also
a spirit of equality that limitations are not a barrier to empowerment.
