Sharpening the Skills and Confidence of Disabled Business Actors

JAKARTA - In the midst of rapid digital economic development, access to skills education and business opportunities is still a challenge for some disabled people in Indonesia.

In addition to facing obstacles in entering the formal workforce, many of them have not yet had the same opportunity to access the training, capacity development, and support needed to build businesses independently.

Economic independence is one of the important factors in improving the quality of life and self-confidence. With the right knowledge, people with disabilities have equal opportunities to develop businesses, create jobs, and contribute to more inclusive economic growth.

One aspect that is increasingly needed by business actors is financial literacy. The ability to manage cash flow, understand financial risks, maintain digital security, to build sustainable business strategies is an important foundation for every entrepreneur, including people with disabilities.

Seeing the need, PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika Tbk (MPMX) through the MPM BISA (Inclusive Business Ready for Action) program presents a learning and mentoring space for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

This program, which is an expansion of the Life Skill Training Center (LSTC) initiative, collaborates with the Mien R. Uno Foundation to provide training to 30 business actors from the netra and daksa friends groups.

This program not only focuses on improving business capabilities, but also strengthens the aspect of self-development through financial literacy learning, financial risk management, digital security, digital ethics, business ethics, to strengthening confidence in running a business.

GM Corporate Communication & Sustainability MPMX, Natalia Lusnita emphasized that this program was designed as a collaborative space that provides more equal learning opportunities for all participants.

"We want to take part in strengthening the capacity of friends with disabilities who are MSME actors through sharing knowledge related to literacy, both in managing businesses, understanding opportunities, building competitiveness, and developing businesses sustainably," said Natalia, quoted from an official statement from MPMX.

"We believe that every business actor has great potential, and access to knowledge can be one of the keys to opening up these opportunities. For MPMX, real sustainability is built through equal opportunities, empowerment, and the creation of tangible impact. Hopefully, this program can be a small part of a joint effort to create a more inclusive economic ecosystem," he added.

In practice, participants have the opportunity to attend face-to-face training sessions that discuss various important skills to develop businesses in the digital era. The material provided is designed to be easy to apply in daily business activities, ranging from smarter financial management to how to identify possible business risks.

Interestingly, the learning process does not stop in the classroom. Participants also receive guidance and mentoring for several months to help them implement the knowledge they have obtained into the development of their respective businesses. This approach allows participants to learn gradually while getting input that is appropriate for their business needs.

Programs like this show that economic empowerment is not only about capital assistance, but also about building capacity and confidence. When someone has access to equal knowledge, assistance, and opportunities, the chances of growing are much greater.

As a form of appreciation for the participants' commitment, this program also provides business development grant support to three selected participants who have shown consistency and ability in applying training materials into their business plans.

In an era that increasingly emphasizes inclusiveness, efforts to expand access to financial education and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities are an important step to create a more open economic ecosystem for all. With the right support, disabled business actors can continue to grow, strengthen economic independence, and become an inspiration for the wider community.

MPMX through the MPM BISA (Inclusive Business Ready Action) program presents a learning and mentoring space for entrepreneurs with disabilities.