MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID CANBERRA – The significant barriers faced by graduates of Indonesia’s Special Needs Schools (SLB) in entering the workforce were highlighted by Tri Hastuti Nur Rochimah, Secretary General of ‘Aisyiyah Central Board, at the Australasian Aid Conference (AAC) 2025 held at Acton Theatre, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (ANU), Canberra on Friday (5/12).
Speaking in a session themed “Addressing Disability Equity and Rights: Lessons from Indonesia,” Tri underscored the need for stronger transition systems from education to employment for persons with disabilities.
In her presentation, “From Uncertainty to Hope: Promoting Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities,” she explained that the challenges faced by SLB graduates extend beyond limited pathways to formal jobs. Many lack exposure to recruitment processes and real workplace environments. These issues are worsened by lingering social stigma, anxiety about the future among youth with disabilities, and weak compliance with inclusive employment policies in both government and private sectors.
Tri explained ‘Aisyiyah’s efforts through the INKLUSI Program, which offers comprehensive support including work-readiness training for SLB students alumni =, Training of Trainers for teachers on work preparedness and Social Emotional Learning, soft-skills and career coaching, advocacy for inclusive recruitment, parenting sessions to strengthen family roles, and partnerships with government and business to expand internship and job placement opportunities.
“We want to ensure that the journey toward employment starts in school, not after graduation when they are left confused about entering the job market,” Tri stressed.
She noted that such initiatives help shift public perspectives on disability. With proper opportunities and support, she emphasized, young people with disabilities can demonstrate equal potential and productivity.
“Our experiences across regions show that they not only excel at work but also contribute significantly to both the economy and society,” she added.
Tri also highlighted collaborative actions by ‘Aisyiyah Garut, the Garut Manpower Office, and Muhammadiyah Special Needs School of Bayongbong, which have successfully promoted work-readiness and expanded access to opportunities for persons with disabilities. She emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in bridging policy frameworks with real needs at the community level.
Concluding her presentation, Tri stated that inclusive employment cannot stand alone and must involve a full-service ecosystem of education, labor, social sectors, and private industry.
“We need a system that moves together. Schools, families, government, and businesses must form a unified chain ensuring every young person with a disability receives real access, support, and empowerment,” she said.
Tri expressed hope that Indonesia’s best practices can contribute to global learning.
“Inclusion is not just a social agenda; it is a future agenda. True development happens when everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute,” she concluded.
