Digital Market, Unequal Access: Legal Challenges For Consumers With Disabilities In Indonesia’s E-Marketplace

Agus Suwandono; Isis Ikhwansyah; Sinta Dewi Rosadi; Hyung-Jun Kim; Maria B. Ringa

doi:10.52496/mjhki.v4i2.115

Authors

Agus Suwandono Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia Author
Isis Ikhwansyah Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia Author
Sinta Dewi Rosadi Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia Author
Hyung-Jun Kim Kangwon National University, Korea Author
Maria B. Ringa Kupang State Polytechnic Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52496/mjhki.v4i2.115

Keywords:

E-Marketplace, Inclusive, People With Disabilities, Consumer Protection, Legal Comparison

Abstract

E-marketplaces provide broader access to goods and services, including for consumers with disabilities. However, many e-marketplace interfaces remain inaccessible and may perpetuate discrimination. This study examines the legal protection of consumers with disabilities in e-marketplaces and formulates an inclusive e-marketplace concept for Indonesia. Using a normative legal approach with comparative law analysis, the study finds that existing regulations only provide general consumer protection norms and lack specific accessibility standards for e-marketplace platforms. The proposed inclusive e-marketplace model is divided based on disability types. For consumers with physical and sensory disabilities, inclusivity is achieved through mandatory accessibility standards based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, supported by supervision and law enforcement. For consumers with intellectual and mental disabilities, inclusivity is realized through assistive features that shift the paradigm from substituted decision-making to supported decision-making. This concept aligns with Article 12(2) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees equal legal capacity for persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. The framework integrates enforceable WCAG compliance and accountable supported decision-making with the Islamic legal principles of ahliyyah, maslahah, justice, prevention of harm, and hifz al-mal. Therefore, inclusive e-marketplaces can ensure equal participation and protection for all consumers with disabilities.

Author Biographies

Agus Suwandono, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
Isis Ikhwansyah, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
Sinta Dewi Rosadi, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
Hyung-Jun Kim, Kangwon National University, Korea

Kangwon National University, Korea
Maria B. Ringa, Kupang State Polytechnic

Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Indonesia

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