Jakarta. Arief, a 24-year-old man with a physical disability (“daksa”), wakes up before dawn in his hometown of Cirebon, West Java.
Undeterred by his condition, he embarks on a long journey—traveling approximately 110 kilometers to Jakarta—to attend a disability job fair at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Central Jakarta.
Born and raised in Cirebon, Arief has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in finding meaningful work. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken. Setting off in the early hours, he takes the train to Jakarta, determined to seize the opportunity offered by the Job Fair & Upskilling event tailored specifically for persons with disabilities.
Upon arriving at the venue, Arief joins dozens of other job seekers with disabilities. The fair, supported by the Jakarta government, features dozens of participating companies and highlights not only job listings but also upskilling workshops and motivational talks. For Arief, this isn’t just a job search—it’s a chance to break barriers and prove his worth.
Arief’s journey strikes a chord within Jakarta’s broader push for inclusive employment. The city government recently opened 107 job vacancies specifically for people with disabilities at this same event, involving around 21 companies, including state-owned enterprises. (Antara News) Jakarta’s governor, Pramono Anung, has expressed hope that such initiatives will expand access to fair employment for all, regardless of physical ability.
Arief is part of a growing number of people with disabilities who are seizing these opportunities. According to government data, roughly 150 participants from previous disability-focused job fairs have already been matched with companies.
While the journey from Cirebon to Jakarta is long and demanding, Arief remains optimistic—believing that his perseverance might open doors not just for himself, but for many others like him.
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