Professional integration of people with disabilities in the local garment industry

FKDB in Central Java promotes inclusive employment in the garment sector. Its Kresna Patra program trained 500+ people by 2024, with 57 securing jobs in the industry or starting businesses.

The Forum Komunikasi Difabel Boyolali (FKDB) is a regional NGO in Central Java advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Its Kresna Patra programme, in collaboration with local government and businesses, focuses on inclusive employment, especially in the garment industry. The programme offers sewing, life skills, and peer support, assisting participants to find industry jobs or to establish small businesses. By 2024 it had trained more than 500 people with disabilities and found jobs for 57 of them.

Problems Targeted

In many countries, especially in rural areas, people with disabilities are excluded from social life and have little or no opportunity to study or work.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Forum Komunikasi Difabel Boyolali (FKDB) is a grassroots organization in Boyolali, Central Java, dedicated to advocating for the rights and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities. Founded by two women with disabilities, FKDB launched the Kresna Patra programme in 2020 in collaboration with local government and the garment industry to create inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Kresna Patra offers five comprehensive training courses annually, covering both technical and soft skills. Participants receive sewing instruction as well as essential life skills such as numeracy and literacy. The programme integrates peer support groups, with people with disabilities serving as trainers and mentors. FKDB has also developed assessment tools to help participants find suitable jobs in the garment industry or to guide them towards starting their own small businesses. From 2020 to 2024, Kresna Patra trained over 500 participants, 57 of whom have secured employment, primarily individuals with physical or hearing disabilities. About a third of these participants are women.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Companies and local authorities participating in Kresna Patra support it financially and with in-kind contributions. In 2022, BPJS, an insurance company, provided free insurance cards to about 300 people with disabilities. Initially launched in one sub-district, the programme has expanded due to demand from nearby areas. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

The Forum Komunikasi Difabel Boyolali promotes inclusive employment in Central Java.

The Forum Komunikasi Difabel Boyolali promotes inclusive employment in Central Java.

Select this picture Select this picture