Building inclusive employment opportunities is a form of social service that plays a crucial role in realizing equality, especially for individuals with special needs. However, negative stigma toward people with disabilities remains a significant challenge in Indonesia. Discriminatory behavior is still prevalent in society, where they are often perceived as incapable of working like typical employees.
Many foundations and Special Schools (SLB) have made efforts to combat this stigma by providing training programs for children with special needs to prepare them for the workforce. Ucu Rahayu, head of the Cahaya Batin Social Institution for the Blind and Hearing-Speech Impaired (PSBNRW), expressed concern over how people with disabilities are still underestimated, even though some of their beneficiaries work as civil servants (ASN) and also have special needs (Pratama et al., 2024). Yet, this issue continues to receive insufficient attention, as seen in the limited number of inclusive workplaces in Indonesia. Many employers still hesitate to fully trust individuals with disabilities (Aji, A.L.D., et al., 2017). In reality, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Indonesia’s workforce is unavoidable. Unfortunately, the majority of them still face discrimination in gaining employment opportunities (Widhawati, M.K., et al., 2019).
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in 2022, over 17 million people with disabilities were of working age. However, only around 7.6 million of them had obtained jobs in either the formal or informal sectors. In the previous year, 2021, only 5,825 people with disabilities were recorded as employed—1,271 in state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and 4,554 in private companies (Retnoastuti, 2024). These figures clearly show a lack of accessibility and persistent negative public perceptions, even though the government has established protections under Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities.
This issue is not only a national concern but also a deeply rooted dilemma Indonesia faces in its journey to build an inclusive and equitable society. In the social dimension, people with disabilities continue to be victims of stigma and discrimination, and are often excluded from access to quality education and employment. One of the main barriers to providing an inclusive work culture is limited accessibility and a sceptical mindset. Some companies are still unwilling to hire people with disabilities due to assumptions about
lower productivity or concerns about additional costs (Putra, 2019). However, with proper guidance and a supportive work environment, people with disabilities can quickly demonstrate their potential and make meaningful contributions. Much more must be done by the government, communities, and even the media to address these disparities. With the right approach, it is possible to raise awareness and drive a paradigm shift toward a more inclusive workforce.
This documentary, produced by Sakarsa Productions, highlights a key theme from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected global goals adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The documentary titled Secangkir Harapan (A Cup of Hope) is based on SDG 10: Reducing Inequality. We believe that one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and empathy toward the lack of inclusive employment is by directly highlighting the issue, spreading knowledge, and showing the public that workers with disabilities are capable of learning and contributing in the professional world. As mentioned earlier, they possess diverse abilities, which can be nurtured with appropriate support.
Through the use of media—particularly documentary film—we aim to help reshape public perception. A documentary does more than deliver information; it offers a vivid and emotionally resonant depiction of reality. This medium can serve as a powerful message to the public that our friends with disabilities have the same capabilities as anyone else and are equally entitled to opportunities. Through Secangkir Harapan, we hope to open new perspectives and encourage society to give people with disabilities the attention and opportunities they deserve—not as subjects of pity, but as equals. More than just a visual presentation, this documentary aspires to be a small yet meaningful step toward building a more inclusive and just society and workforce.