Under a Tent, Students of Bekasi Special Needs School Learn Independence Through Selling Iftar Snacks

BEKASI – As the iftar time approaches, the atmosphere beneath a simple tent on Jalan Komodo Raya in South Bekasi District, Bekasi City, appeared different on Thursday (26 February 2026).

Several students from SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III (a special needs school) stood behind sales tables, offering an array of food and beverages produced by themselves to passing customers.

From hands that are often dismissed, a variety of takjil foods and fresh drinks were displayed.

The head of SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III, Vivi Sukmawati (53), stated that this sales activity was the school’s inaugural programme during the Ramadan month this year.

“This is our first year implementing this activity. We opened this stall from the start of fasting and it has been running until now,” said Vivi when met at the location on Thursday.

Vivi explained that initially the school had planned the activity to run for only two weeks.

However, seeing the high enthusiasm of the students, the activity had potential to be extended.

“But if the children remain very enthusiastic, God willing, we will implement it for the full month,” she said.

As an educator, she wanted to equip students to become self-reliant after graduating from school.

“We want them to be able to create their own job opportunities. This is indeed the idea to train the children’s independence,” she said.

All products sold were the result of student work.

They were involved from the initial stage, from purchasing ingredients at the market, processing food, to marketing.

“All food and beverages sold here are made by them and naturally are supervised by teachers,” said Vivi.