Independent Leprosy Association (PerMaTa) of Indonesia on January 31, 2010 simultaneously held the World Leprosy Day Celebration in eight cities of Indonesia. World Leprosy Day 2010, is designed to perform the public dissemination of leprosy as well as the campaign for equal rights of people affected by leprosy in Indonesia.

World Leprosy Day 2010 in Makassar was celebrated by 1000 people consisting of PerMaTa members Makassar, students, and the public in Makasar. Several activities were organized such as the withdrawal of nails in trees, long march, and the distribution of brochures.  The communities participated in these activities with high enthusiasm and it is so obvious that PerMaTa members can integrate with other community members. At the end of the event , Permata Makasar gave presents  to some participants as a form of appreciation for public participation in these activities.

While in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, World Leprosy Day 2010 was celebrated with clearing activities in traditional market in the city of Kupang. The activities were celebrated by 500 members of PerMaTa Kupang which was intended to demonstrate the participation of people affected by leprosy for the community.

In East Java, World Leprosy Day Celebration 2010 was centered in the Mangrove Natural Forest Wonorejo Surabaya. The activities were celebrated by 500 members of PerMaTa, students of IAIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, students of SMK Negeri 9 Surabaya, Disabled people community Daya Mandiri, and the Mangrove Farmers Group Surabaya. The activities were organized with planting of mangrove seedlings in mangrove forest areas in Surabaya. In that occasion the Vice Governor of East Java, Mr Saifullah Yusuf pleased to present with Mrs. Fatma Saifullah Yusuf to provide support to members of PerMaTa and provide examples to the public so as not hesitate to associate and integrate with people affected by leprosy. World Leprosy Day 2010 also celebrated in several cities in East Java such as Lamongan, Bangkalan, Jember and Ngawi.

World Leprosy Day 2010 also celebrated in Jakarta, which was centered in Menteng Park. The Health Minister also presented in the activities and distributed presents to children of PerMaTa members. The activities also enlivened by the music offerings of the Jakarta Blind Music Group. In that occasion the Minister of Health gave an appreciation to PerMaTa Indonesia as an organization of people affected by leprosy and its program in fighting stigma and improving quality of life of people affected by leprosy in Indonesia. (cak)