Manpower Minister targets 100,000 self-reliant workers with disabilities

Manpower Minister Yassierli has set a target for at least 100,000 people with disabilities to become self-reliant and enter the workforce through strengthened competencies and training prepared by the government.

“My minimum target is that 100,000 people with disabilities can smile when they arrive at their workplace,” said Yassierli in an online address at the National Kick Start event for the Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance of Beneficiaries (PEKA) programme by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, followed from Pontianak on Tuesday.

He said the government is currently building a competency training centre for people with disabilities in Bekasi and developing special training modules so that they acquire skills suited to the needs of the labour market.

According to him, people with disabilities must be given the opportunity to work not out of pity, but because they possess competencies required by industry.

“We want them to be present in industry working not out of pity, but because they have competence,” he said.

Yassierli also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the central government, regional governments, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the banking sector, and various parties in expanding employment opportunities and improving community self-reliance.

He appreciated the economic empowerment and self-reliance programme initiated by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan to help beneficiaries and heirs utilise compensation payments as business capital.

According to him, the programme can be strengthened by partnering with the Ministry of Manpower, which runs the Self-Reliant Workers programme, including mentoring and coaching for people starting businesses.

“BPJS Ketenagakerjaan does not stop at providing money or compensation, but also oversees how that money or compensation can be beneficial,” he said.

Yassierli noted that the Ministry of Manpower already has thousands of profiles of self-reliant workers who have successfully developed businesses, so that coaching model can serve as a reference for strengthening economic empowerment programmes.

In addition to entrepreneurship, the government is also expanding the national apprenticeship programme with a target of 150,000 participants in 2026, especially for university graduates who need experience and competence before entering the workforce.

He said the programme is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen human resources and realise community self-reliance towards the goal of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia.

“Our spirit is to prioritise the interests of the nation. Our happiness is when we can deliver people to a better place,” said Yassierli.