Creative Spaces Open Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Access to employment for people with disabilities remains limited. Data from the Ministry of Manpower recorded that the labour force participation rate among approximately 17 million working-age people with disabilities reached only 20.14 per cent in 2025. This situation has spurred the development of creative spaces that can connect the abilities of people with disabilities with economic opportunities. One such effort is being made through the fashion sector by incorporating their artwork into commercial products. This approach is being developed by Dama Kara through the Dama Kara Foundation, which was established in 2024. Its programme includes drawing classes with one-on-one guidance from art facilitators, after which participants’ works are developed through workshops, exhibitions, and fashion products. Dama Kara founder and CEO of the Dama Kara Foundation, Nurdini Prihastiti, said the programme was built to open up space for people with disabilities to develop their abilities and produce work. “I am committed to making Dama Kara a platform for people with disabilities to create and to embrace them. We believe that creating truly knows no limitations,” she said. Participants’ artwork is then combined with traditional Indonesian textiles and applied to products such as kebaya, outerwear, and skirts. Dama Kara products have been marketed to Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea, and exhibited at fashion events in France and South Korea. Dini said participants receive free guidance and facilities, while a portion of the proceeds from collection sales is allocated to support the disability class programme. “They are not charged a single penny. From the selection process to their creative work, from the art facilitators to the drawing tools, everything is provided by Dama Kara. From every Dama Kara collection sold, we set aside a portion to support the classes for our friends with special needs,” she explained. According to Dini, business development involving people with disabilities aims not only to generate profit but also to create opportunities for creative work and economic value for participants. “A business will continue to exist as long as its impact can be felt directly by others. Dama Kara is currently continuing to develop and grow because our friends with disabilities are also helping us,” she concluded.