DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Abrar's Long Journey to Achieve Hope in the Job Market

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Abar, a visually impaired job seeker, attended the Jakarta Job Fair with hopes of finding employment, a pursuit he has maintained since 2016.
  • The fair offered 3,299 job openings, with some specifically for people with disabilities, reflecting a growing but still limited inclusion in the workforce.
  • Despite facing significant challenges, Abrar remains hopeful, advocating for more inclusive recruitment practices and believing in the equal contribution of people with disabilities.

At the Jakarta Job Fair, amidst a throng of hopeful applicants, Abrar, 35, navigated the bustling hall with a cane, his visual impairment not dimming his determination. For Abrar, a graduate in Communication Studies, the job fair represents more than just a chance for income; it is a crucial step toward recognition of his capabilities and his right to contribute professionally.

As a visually impaired person, Abrar came with the hope of getting a chance to work.

Describes Abrar's primary motivation for attending the job fair.

This was not Abrar's first job fair; he has been a regular attendee since 2016, visiting every opportunity that caters to individuals with disabilities. His persistence stems from a belief that given the same chance, he can compete and excel in the professional world. The Jakarta Job Fair 2026, organized by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, presented a renewed sense of hope, offering 3,299 positions, including roles designated for people with disabilities.

For Abrar, work is not just a source of income. The opportunity to work is a form of recognition that people with disabilities have the ability, competence, and the same rights to contribute to the world of work.

Explains Abrar's deeper perspective on the importance of employment.

Abrar's aspirations align with a national challenge: the limited access to employment for people with disabilities in Indonesia. Data from Statistics Indonesia shows that in 2024, only about 932,435 individuals with disabilities, or 0.64 percent of the total national workforce, were employed. This statistic underscores the significant barriers that remain.

The Jakarta Job Fair this year offers a glimmer of hope.

Highlights the significance of the current job fair for Abrar and others.

Undeterred by the competitive landscape, Abrar continues his search, moving from booth to booth, gathering information, and seeking positions that match his skills and education. He hopes that more companies, both public and private, will adopt inclusive recruitment policies. For Abrar, equal job opportunities are not just about fulfilling obligations but about allowing everyone to showcase their best abilities. He remains committed to his pursuit, believing his efforts will eventually yield results.

Abrar hopes that more companies, both government and private, will open inclusive recruitment so that people with disabilities do not have difficulty finding work.

States Abrar's call for broader systemic change in hiring practices.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog