REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,  JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Autism Foundation (YAI) is supporting the Jakarta government's campaign "Light It Up Blue" by illuminating the National Monument (Monas) with blue lights to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day observed annually on April 2. The Monas was illuminated with blue lights, starting from Sunday (April 1) to Monday (April 30), according to a press release from YAI on Monday.

Earlier, the YAI and Jakarta government had held a similar activity in the previous years. In 2018, the campaign to light up Monas using blue lights is being held for the fourth time.

National Monument (Monas) illuminated in blue as part of Light It Up Blue (LIUB) campaign, in Jakarta, Sunday (April 2) night.

In addition to Monas, several monuments and other landmarks of Jakarta City will also be lit in blue, including the Welcome Statue of the Hotel of Indonesia roundabout and Simpang Susun Semanggi. The illumination of several city landmarks with blue lights is part of a global movement to send across the messages of hope and acceptance of individuals with autism.

The global community has made April 2 as the day to voice concerns over individuals with autism. One of the campaigns that caught global attention was "Light It Up Blue" initiated by the "Autism Speak" organization.

Through the campaign, thousands of monuments, office buildings, and homes across the world will light blue lights on the evening of April 2 as an expression of public acceptance of autism. This celebration is also symbolic of sympathy and appreciation towards families that have accompanied autistic individuals and have made them more independent in working.

Blue color is a symbol of society that is more accepting of all autistic individuals and encourages interactions without discrimination.

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