RRI.CO.ID, Boyolali – The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities receive equal employment opportunities in the national labor market. This initiative is part of efforts to promote inclusivity and eliminate workplace discrimination in the Southeast Asian region.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, made the statement at the Training and Placement Program for Workers with Disabilities in Boyolali, Central Java, on Friday, July 31, 2026. This strategic step was taken to address the challenge of the relatively low global labor force participation rate among people with disabilities.

He also emphasized the importance of changing public perceptions toward workers with disabilities. The government is determined to build a competency-based employment system regardless of physical limitations.

“People with disabilities are not objects of pity. They are agents of development who have the same rights to work, be productive, and make their best contributions to the nation in accordance with their competencies,” he said.

The government has also established specific regulations to ensure employment quotas for people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors. In addition, technological advancements such as artificial intelligence are being harnessed to open up broader access to employment.

“What we need to build is an employment system that assesses a person’s abilities, not their limitations. Everyone must have an equal opportunity to secure decent work and advance their careers,” he said.

The minister emphasized that the business community is expected not only to fulfill its legal obligations but also to foster an inclusive work culture. According to him, synergy between the government and the business sector is key to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Yassierli affirmed, “Inclusivity is not merely about complying with legal regulations. What is more important is building a work culture that provides space for everyone to grow based on their competencies and performance.”