Tarakan, October 29th 2025 — Amid the rapid pace of digital transformation, many communities remain left behind from economic access and employment opportunities, especially people with disabilities. Behind physical limitations, however, lies great potential for creativity and independence when provided with the right space and support. Recognizing this, Telkom Indonesia launched the “Kreasi Kaltara Inklusif” program, an empowerment initiative that opens creative entrepreneurship opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly women, in North Kalimantan.

According to data from the Ministry of Manpower (Tempo, 2024), of the 5.17 million working-age people with disabilities, only 1.04 million are in the workforce. The labor force participation rate (LFPR) stands at just 20.14 percent, while the open unemployment rate reaches 10.8 percent. These figures reveal a significant gap that requires addressing through skill-based training and empowerment programs.

As a concrete response, Telkom Indonesia, through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, held an inclusive entrepreneurship training focused on culture, environment, and digital product development. The training, held in Tarakan City on October 17, 2025, involved 45 people with disabilities from various communities. Participants learned skills such as North Kalimantan batik-making, Tidung traditional accessory crafting, vegan leather production from coffee grounds, and basic digital literacy for online marketing.

As a result, participants successfully created unique products including scarves, wallets, necklaces, bracelets, and keychains. For sustainability, these entrepreneurs will receive ongoing mentoring from Telkom’s Rumah BUMN Tarakan. Their products will be curated and marketed through a digital catalog and e-commerce platforms, paving the way for a technology-driven, culturally rooted, inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“As a digital telecommunication company, Telkom Indonesia is committed to strengthening community capacity through technology access and digital-based economic empowerment. This program not only builds new skills but also opens opportunities for people with disabilities to innovate, create, and achieve economic independence,” said Hery Susanto, Senior General Manager of Social Responsibility at Telkom Indonesia.

The “Kreasi Kaltara Inklusif” program represents a tangible collaboration between education, the creative economy, and technology to enhance the competitiveness of people with disabilities. By promoting local culture and sustainability, the initiative proves that innovation belongs not only to those physically able but to anyone with the spirit to grow.

Through this initiative, Telkom Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL), focusing on the pillars of Education, Digital Innovation, and Economic Empowerment. It also supports achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Telkom believes that inclusive, digital-based entrepreneurship is a concrete step toward a self-reliant, creative, and equitable society, where every individual, without exception, has the opportunity to grow and contribute to the nation.