Presidential Staffer Holds FGD on Entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities

Presidential Special Staffer Angkie Yudistia during Focus Group Discussion adopting title “The Future Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for Persons with Disabilities that are Based on Creative Economy and Adaptive to COVID-19 Pandemic”, at the Jogja National Museum, Yogyakarta, Saturday (5/6). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

Presidential Special Staffer Angkie Yudistia on Saturday (5/6) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) adopting tittle “The Future Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for Persons with Disabilities that are Based on Creative Economy and Adaptive to COVID-19 Pandemic”, at the Jogja National Museum, Yogyakarta.

The FGD aims at helping Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) run by persons with disabilities that are affected by the pandemic and supporting the national economic recovery. They can convey their input to the Government in the discussion.

Angkie said that as the presidential special staffer she promotes synergy between the Central Government, regional governments, stakeholders, and persons with disabilities in implementing the Government’s policies particularly the fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities, and creating favorable inclusive environment for vulnerable groups.

“President Jokowi has issued seven Government Regulations and two Presidential Regulations to support the implementation of Law Number 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities. The regulations have proven the President’s concern over the development of the disabled,” she stated.

She went on to say that the policies are not charities for persons with disabilities but means to fulfill their rights through inclusive opportunities. In fact, she added, the President has instructed to implement all policies made in 2021 for the benefits of persons with disabilities.

On that occasion, Angkie applauded persons with disabilities in attendance for their great vocational and production skills. Nevertheless, there are still rooms for improvement for the MSMEs.

First, they need to improve research and development of their products in order to meet demands of the market. Second, they must intensify promotion through digital platform and collaboration. Third, access to business capital for persons with disabilities must be improved. Fourth, they must acquire financial literacy and have strategy for operation, raw material, and promotion. (SLN/UN) (RAS/LW)