Indonesian Government Cooperates with Startup Tech for Disability Inclusion in Manufacturing

RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - As Indonesia’s manufacturing sector expands, the government is making a step toward sustainable employment. The Ministry of Industry announced a new partnership with tech startup Top Loker to bridge the employment gap for persons with disabilities within the nation's industrial ecosystem.

The "Industrial Partnership Facilitation for Students with Disabilities in Central Java" event was held at Semarang, on Monday, 2 February 2026.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, stated that,“Developing Inclusive Manufacturing Sector for People with Disabilities,” focuses on manufacturing sectors such as electronics, textiles, and agro-industry. He also underscored that inclusivity is a matter of productivity, as the manufacturing sector plays a big role in absorbing the national workforce.

"Therefore, the ministry  is committed to ensuring that industrial development also provides equal participation for people with disabilities, so they can contribute productively and independently to the national industrial ecosystem," Minister Agus in his statement on Monday.

Despite manufacturing employing roughly 13.8% of Indonesia’s workforce, workers with disabilities still face systemic hurdles, especially in access and network. To navigate this problem, this program brings 45 specialized students from across Central Java to meet directly with 24 manufacturing companies.

The Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, explained that the program integrates Special Education Schools (SLB) with the manufacturing industry in a sustainable partnership.

“This activity was carried out to increase the absorption of people with disabilities into the industrial sector while also opening up access to collaboration between Special Needs Schools and the manufacturing industry,” she said.

Top Loker itself is a dedicated platform designed to connect people with industries. The collaboration between the government, specialized education centers, and Stekom University, ensures that disability inclusion in Indonesia's manufacturing sector is not just a one-time event, but a continued industrial program.