Disability Business Forum: Indonesian companies to move towards disability inclusion

JAKARTA (ILO News): People with disabilities are recognized as among the most vulnerable groups in Indonesia, facing discrimination in access to such as education, skills training and, employment. Compared to non-disabled persons, they experience higher rates of unemployment and economic inactivity and are at greater risk of insufficient social protection that is a key to reducing extreme poverty.

In the midst of discrimination issues against people with disabilities, enterprises have realized that disability inclusion makes good business sense. Top enterprises have found people with disabilities as untapped human resources. Many of these companies are learning that people with disabilities are productive and that they bring many benefits to the workplace. They also shape a more authentic, loyal and creative culture.

Private companies have many positive experiences hiring and retaining people with disabilities. They are often more diligent, loyal and productive. ILO is keen to keep sharing these positive experiences with other companies and government institutions through business forums like this."

Francesco d’Ovidio, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia

To further enhance the inclusivity of people with disabilities in Indonesian business, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will organize an Inclusive Business Forum titled “The Business Case of Inclusive Employment” in Jakarta on 22 March 2016 at Pullman Hotel, Jakarta. The Forum is a follow-up to a similar business forum conducted in December 2015. The Forum is also part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia, particularly the Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth and the Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

The Forum is dedicated for the Indonesian employers to discuss and share experience on tapping the market and talent pool of persons with disabilities. Therefore, the Forum is aimed to increase awareness and understanding of state-owned and private enterprises on benefits of hiring and employing people with disabilities. The Forum is also aimed to strengthen networking and collaboration among Indonesian companies as means to enhance the employability and employment of women and men with disabilities in the private and public sector.

Francesco d’Ovidio, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia, stated that the ILO has a long standing commitment to promoting decent work for people with disabilities. “Private companies have many positive experiences hiring and retaining people with disabilities. They are often more diligent, loyal and productive. ILO is keen to keep sharing these positive experiences with other companies and government institutions through business forums like this,” he said.

Representatives from Indonesian multinational companies, PT Dewhirst Menswear Indonesia, Bank Mandiri and PT Outsource Indonesia will share their experiences in building a successful inclusive programme at their companies. It is hoped that the experiences shared will inspire more companies in Indonesia to do similar inclusive programmes at workplaces.

The Forum is organized by the ILO through its Promoting Rights and Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Employment through Legislation (PROPEL) Project. The Project is aimed to promote better work and employment opportunities created for men and women with disabilities, through the creation of an enabling legal and policy environment, the promotion of skills development opportunities and measures to eliminate discrimination. Funded by Irish Aid, the Project is aimed to address gaps in policy and legislative protection on employment and training of persons with disabilities to ensure they are consistent with international standards.

People with disabilities make up an estimated one billion, or 15 per cent, of the world’s population. About 80 per cent are of working age. It is estimated that there are around 38 million of people with disabilities in Indonesia. They still face enormous attitudinal, physical and informational barriers to equal opportunities in the world of work.

For further information please contact:

Santy Otto
ILO’s Disability Project Coordinator
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 126
Email: [email protected]

Gita Lingga
ILO’s Communications Officer
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 115
Email: [email protected]