When Students at Special Needs School in Bekasi Sell Takjil Using Sign Language, Smiles Greet Customers
Bekasi – As the time for breaking fast approaches, the atmosphere beneath a simple tent on Jalan Komodo Raya, South Bekasi District, Bekasi City, appeared different.
Several students from SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III stood behind a sales counter, offering various takjil and beverages that they had made themselves.
Despite selling from a simple stall, their enthusiasm remained undiminished. Each time a customer arrived, the students’ smiles blossomed. Nimble hand movements became a bridge of communication between students and customers. Amid their hearing and speech limitations, interactions remained warm.
The students greeted customers with friendly expressions, then used sign language to complete transactions.
“They are accustomed to using sign language. But when they meet the community, it is not possible to use sign language, so this prompts them to be able to interact with other people,” said Vivi Sukmawati (53), Head of SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III, when met by Kompas.com at the location on Thursday (26 February 2026).
Vivi hopes that direct student involvement in public spaces will make them increasingly confident. She also hopes community support continues to flow so that students can grow into independent individuals.
“My hope is that the community can support our programme. So the children can become independent and the community accepts them with open arms,” said Vivi.
She explained that the sales activity was a pilot programme conducted during this year’s Ramadan period.
“This is our first year implementing this activity. We opened this stall from the beginning of Ramadan and it has been running until now,” said Vivi.
“But if the children remain very enthusiastic, God willing, we will implement it for the full month,” she added.
According to Vivi, the activity is not merely about selling takjil. There is a larger purpose behind it, namely to train student independence whilst building their confidence to interact directly with the community.