The Indonesian government is advancing inclusive opportunities in the manufacturing sector to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in national industrial development (28/01).

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said, “Therefore, the Ministry of Industry is committed to ensuring that industrial development also provides equal participation opportunities for people with disabilities, enabling them to contribute productively and independently within the national industrial ecosystem.”

Collaboration with Startups Bridges Education and Industry

In line with this commitment, the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries (IKMA) partnered with startup Top Loker (TopLoker.com) to hold the “Inclusive Manufacturing Development for Disabilities” program at SLB Negeri Semarang on 28 January 2026.

Director General of IKMA Reni Yanita stated, “We, together with Top Loker, initiated this program as a platform to open opportunities for people with disabilities to participate and excel in the industrial sector.”

Challenges Remain in Integrating Disabled Workforce in Manufacturing

As of August 2025, the manufacturing sector employed 20.26 million people, representing about 13.83 percent of the national workforce.

Despite this, Reni highlighted ongoing challenges for disability inclusion, including limited access to job information, gaps between skills and industry needs, minimal formal partnerships, and workplaces that are not yet fully inclusive.

“Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan untuk meningkatkan serapan tenaga kerja penyandang disabilitas di sektor industri sekaligus membuka akses kerja sama antara Sekolah Luar Biasa dengan industri manufaktur,” Reni explained, emphasizing the program’s role in linking schools and industry while preparing students to meet workforce standards.

Hands-On Industry Exposure for Students with Disabilities

The program allowed 45 grade XII students from eight districts in Central Java to meet 24 manufacturing companies across sectors such as agro, electronics, textiles, and various other industries.

“Manufacturing companies will engage in ongoing discussions and communications with disability groups, accompanied by SLB Negeri Semarang and Top Loker,” Reni added, giving students practical insight into industry expectations.

Startups and Industry Commit to Sustained Inclusive Employment Initiatives

Reni also noted that the manufacturing sector requires diligence, precision, consistency, and loyalty, qualities often present in people with disabilities.

She emphasized, “Inclusivity in industry is not just regulatory compliance; it is an investment in human resources that enhances productivity and industrial sustainability.”

Top Loker, winner of the 2022 Ministry of Industry Startup for Industry Program, provides a platform specifically designed to connect people with disabilities to manufacturing job opportunities.

CEO Josep Teguh Santoso said, “We aim to encourage more industry players to care and open opportunities for people with disabilities to work and grow.”

The program was supported by SLB Negeri Semarang, the Central Java Industry and Trade Office, and Universitas Stekom to ensure lasting collaboration between education and industry.

PHOTO: FREEPIK

This article was created with AI assistance.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our content, some information may be incorrect or outdated. Please let us know of any corrections at [email protected].