Government Calls for More Workplace Opportunities for Disabled People

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Manpower Yassierli is urging companies to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to work and advance their careers.

He says companies can work with the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) to meet their needs for skilled workers with disabilities. The Ministry will provide free training, and companies are encouraged to hire program participants.

"We'll handle training and preparation, the ministry will pay the costs. Once trained, we hope you'll hire them," Minister Yassierli said on Friday, October 2, 2026, as reported by Antara.

He also called on business associations to coordinate with the government to map out workforce needs, allowing training programs for people with disabilities to be tailored to their competencies and business sector requirements. The Ministry is preparing to open a talent development center for people with disabilities. The center will have facilities and tools adapted for various disabilities to enhance skills.

The center is also expected to help companies understand the workplace adjustments needed to enable employees with disabilities to perform their duties optimally. He said that companies should support disabled employees beyond recruitment. They must make necessary adjustments and ensure a suitable work environment.

"Show us the adjustments made, like the workspace setup. Ensure they're in a conducive work environment," he said.

He emphasized that people with disabilities are competent and want to contribute. Inclusive opportunities must include career development.

"I assure you they will add value to the company. We hope they can achieve significant results and access greater career opportunities,” he said.

Minister Yassierli encouraged companies to create job opportunities and reminded the business sector of Law No. 8/2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities. Governments and enterprises must employ persons with disabilities, with the private sector responsible for at least 1 percent of its workforce.

"Please convey to companies and their boards of directors that this is an obligation we must fulfill. Please coordinate with the Disability Service Unit (ULD)," he said.

Furthermore, he urged regional Manpower Agencies (Disnaker) and ULDs to strengthen coordination in identifying and mapping individuals with disabilities who are ready to enter the labor market.

This mapping process is considered crucial to ensure that training programs can be tailored to the potential of individuals with disabilities while simultaneously meeting the workforce needs of the business sector.

Through this approach, it is hoped that the employment of individuals with disabilities will go beyond merely fulfilling a legal obligation, it should also create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully and advance their careers within companies. ***