MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Empowering people with disabilities forms a central part of Muhammadiyah’s mission to advance human dignity, equality, and self-reliance. Physical limitations, the organization says, should never prevent anyone from working, creating, and achieving.
Agus Taufiqurrahman, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board, delivered that message during an entrepreneurship skills training and first-phase microcapital distribution under Creating Together with People with Disabilities (Bersama Difabel Berkarya/BERDAYA) program. The program took place on Tuesday (30/12) at Muhammadiyah’s headquarters in Jakarta and was organized by the organization’s Social Welfare Council in partnership with Lazismu, its philanthropic arm.
“God does not judge physical form or appearance, but faith, conscience and deeds,” Agus said. “Good deeds take shape through meaningful work. Limitations should never become barriers to achievement.“
He, thus, encouraged participants to pursue independence with sincerity and resilience, even in the face of persistent social and economic challenges.
From Beneficiaries to Economic Actors
The BERDAYA program seeks to strengthen economic independence among people with disabilities through skills training, business mentoring and access to capital. The first phase targets 30 participants with diverse disabilities who live in the Greater Jakarta area.
The initiative builds on the third phase of Muhammadiyah Inclusive Economic Movement, a collaboration between the Social Welfare Council and Lazismu. The program emphasizes long-term empowerment, with the goal of enabling participants to scale their businesses and evolve into independent economic actors.
Ridwan Furqoni, Vice Chairperson of the Social Welfare Council, said Muhammadiyah’s understanding of faith must translate into tangible social impact. Personal piety, he argued, should extend into collective well-being.
“We want to encourage a transformation,” Ridwan said. “From recipients to contributors, from aid beneficiaries to donors. That is why collaboration between the council and Lazismu is essential.”
Moreover, Artati Haris, a board member of Lazismu, added that zakat, alms, and charitable donations must be managed productively to ensure lasting impact. She noted that people with disabilities often face layered obstacles, making strong coordination and sustained collaboration crucial.
Through BERDAYA, Muhammadiyah and Lazismu aim to develop a replicable model of inclusive economic empowerment, one that allows people with disabilities across Indonesia to live independently and with dignity. (Bintang Adrian)
