International Sign Language Day 2026: From Blue Lights to Discussion Spaces in Various Regions
International Sign Language Day (IDL) 2026 was commemorated across Indonesia through a variety of activities, including discussions and seminars, signed musical theater, and the lighting of blue lights in public spaces. These activities provided a platform to highlight the importance of human rights for the deaf, access to communication and information, and understanding of deaf language and culture.
This year, HBII carries the theme "Declaring Human Rights for the Deaf". This commemoration, which takes place every September 23rd, also marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Interactive Casual Signs: Discussion Space on Deaf Rights
At the national level, the Central Pusbisindo also commemorated HBII 2026 through the Talkshow "Interactive Casual Signals: Our Voices, Our Rights" , which was held in a hybrid manner with GERKATIN and PLJ Indonesia via Zoom and YouTube.
This activity discussed the development of the struggle and the situation on the ground regarding various issues related to the fulfillment of Deaf rights in everyday life. This discussion also provided a space for both Deaf and hearing participants to gain a more critical understanding of various issues concerning Deaf rights, the development of the struggle, and to raise awareness that the fulfillment of Deaf rights requires the involvement of various parties.
The discussion provided a space to see that access for the deaf is not only related to accessibility in communication, but also to the opportunity to obtain information, participate, and exercise rights equally.
Moderator and HBII resource person with a relaxed interactive gesture
Blue Light, HBII's Message in Public Spaces
The spirit of this year's commemoration was also reflected in the lighting of blue lights in several areas. This visual symbol served as part of the awareness campaign and conveyed a message about the presence, rights, and access of deaf people to public spaces. From monuments to government buildings, several locations were included in the visual commemoration of HBII 2026.
What does the vibrant blue light look like in various regions? Let's take a look at the documentation!
Bajra Sandhi Monument - Bali
Celebrating HBII 2026 Together in Various Regions
This year's commemoration series also took place through the collaboration and participation of Pusbisindo, GERKATIN, PLJ Indonesia, the government, private companies, educational institutions, communities, and various other parties in a number of regions.
The activities are diverse, ranging from seminars and sign language education, talk shows, art performances, community activities, and even interactive spaces between the Deaf community and the wider community. These diverse activities provide opportunities to introduce Deaf language and culture while also building an understanding of the importance of accessible communication.
Curious about what the celebrations were like? Check out the HBII 2026 documentation from various regions below!
Group photo of the HBII West Java committee
The excitement of HBII 2026 demonstrated that messages about Deaf rights and the importance of Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) can be conveyed through various channels. From discussions and community activities to blue-lit public spaces, each commemoration served as an effort to promote Deaf language and culture and build understanding of the importance of accessible communication.
Through this momentum, Pusbisindo together with various parties continues to promote the understanding that sign language is an important part of Deaf people's access to communicate, obtain information, participate, and live life equally.
Let's continue to be present, understand, and speak up for the rights of the deaf together!
Author: Stefanus Sinar Firdaus
Editor: Michelle Layanto
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