The Story of a Person with a Disability in Pati Remaining Productive by Building a Sewing Business

Building self-confidence is the primary goal of vocational training programmes provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs for groups with disabilities. Equipped with such training, a person with a disability from Pati, Central Java, has found renewed spirit in pursuing a career in sewing.

Supriyono initially felt ashamed of being a tailor. However, the situation for the individual, who suffers from physical disabilities due to polio, has undergone a 180-degree transformation. He is now able to live independently, financing his family’s needs and his children’s schooling through his sewing business.

He spends his days fulfilling various sewing orders, ranging from clothing alterations to school uniforms, community health centre (Puskesmas) attire, and requirements for local ceremonies. For a single order, he can produce uniforms for 15 to 20 people, most of which are men’s clothing.

“Initially, I was ashamed to be a tailor. My thought back then was that if I could avoid sewing work, I would,” Supriyono stated in a written report on Saturday (6/6/2026).

Fate gradually led Supriyono down a path he had never previously imagined. In 2010, he began working at a convection business called Wisnu Tailor in Kudus, Central Java. It was there that he became closely acquainted with the world of sewing, learning from more experienced tailors. From that experience, his skills grew.

Nevertheless, Supriyono remained uncertain and even attempted work as an administrator and infographic designer using AutoCAD applications for approximately one year. These various experiences ultimately made him realise that his sewing skills were his most valuable asset.

His decision to open his own business was gradually finalised. Support from the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Margo Laras Pati Centre served as a turning point, providing both encouragement and valuable capital. Since 2021, Supriyono has been a beneficiary of social rehabilitation services and participated in a six-month vocational sewing training programme.

This training helped him develop his abilities while strengthening his confidence to pursue a sewing business independently. This led to the birth of Kaxyon Tailor. Currently, he is able to accept large orders for alterations and the production of uniforms for ceremonies, schools, and health centres.

Supriyono sets varying rates depending on the difficulty of the work. For example, the service for making trousers costs approximately Rp 80,000 to Rp 90,000 per piece.

His hard work is gradually yielding results. Through his sewing business, Supriyono is able to meet his family’s daily needs and fund his children’s education. The three-wheeled motorcycle he now owns has also become an essential support for his business activities.