Inclusive Talks: Empowering the Disabled Community in Semarang for Economic Independence

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Foto akhir acara Inclusive Talks di Collabox Creative Hub bersama seluruh audiens, speaker, dan moderator yang berpose dan tersenyum. Momen kolaborasi antara pemerintah, komunitas, dan pelaku usaha difabel Semarang.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Collabox Creative Hub hosted an important public forum titled Inclusive Talks: Building Economic Independence for the Disabled Community. The event, organized in collaboration with Collabox Creative Hub, BAPPEDA, and the Social Affairs Office (DINSOS) of Semarang City, brought together inspiring dialogues between government representatives, entrepreneurs, and the local disability community.

More than 50 participants attended in person, representing various organizations under the Himpunan Masyarakat Inklusif Kota Semarang (HIMIKS), including EFATA, Yayasan Difabel Hati Bapa, Tangguh, IRD, P3D Semar Cakep, FOKADS, PPDI, FKKAD, KDM Kota Semarang, Kondang, HWDI, Komunitas Kinasih, COMPAC, KSD, Gading Semar, ITMI, and many more.

Tri Redjeki dari DINSOS Kota Semarang memberikan sambutan pembuka Inclusive Talks dengan mic di tangan dan gestur berbicara, disaksikan audiens komunitas disabilitas di Semarang.

A Collaborative Ecosystem for Inclusive Economy

The session opened with remarks from Lina Soeratman (Director of Collabox Creative Hub), Tri Redjeki (DINSOS Semarang), and Dianis Januar Khoirunnisa (BAPPEDA Semarang). Each emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy between government, private institutions, and communities to strengthen the economic independence of persons with disabilities.

As a creative collaboration space, Collabox Creative Hub reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a bridge between creative economy players and the disability community, ensuring that every talent has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive within the local economic ecosystem.

Azis Abdullah Bajasud, pendiri Komunitas Difabel Mandiri, duduk di kursi roda biru sambil memegang mic dan berbagi pengalaman pemberdayaan disabilitas. Di belakangnya tampak produk karya teman-teman difabel.

Empowering the Disabled & Building Independent Communities

The first speaker, Azis Abdullah Bajasud, Founder of Komunitas Difabel Mandiri, highlighted the importance of fostering an independent mindset. According to him, empowerment doesn’t end with training, it must build systems that allow people with disabilities to earn and stand on their own.

A strong community, he added, is not just a support group but an ecosystem that connects access to capital, training, and markets. Through programs like Inclusive Talks, this initiative continues to nurture independence among the disabled community in Semarang.

Linggayani Soentoro berdiri di tengah ruangan mengenakan baju hijau gelap, memegang mic dan berbicara tentang kemandirian ekonomi komunitas disabilitas di Semarang.

The Role of Communities in Driving Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Linggayani Soentoro, Director of PKBM EduHouse Semarang, discussed how community structures serve as the backbone of inclusive economic growth. EduHouse has long worked with disabled entrepreneurs, providing training in digital marketing, financial management, and home-based business development.

According to Linggayani, economic independence begins with self-confidence and mutual support within the community. Collaboration with organizations such as Collabox Creative Hub and DINSOS Semarang strengthens this impact, turning training programs into sustainable business opportunities.

Gemma Tedjokusumo memaparkan studi kasus Pindrikan Markt sebagai contoh pengembangan produk UMKM di depan audiens Inclusive Talks di Collabox Creative Hub, Semarang.

Market-Driven Artisan: Understanding Consumers & Building Marketable Products

Gemma Tedjokusumo, General Manager of Collabox Creative Hub, presented “Market-Driven Artisan” using the case study of Pindrikan Markt, a bi-monthly creative market program by Collabox. Gemma explained how understanding the characteristics of Semarang’s local market plays a crucial role in creating relevant and sellable products.

“Many creators and business owners still don’t understand who their real audience is. Yet identifying your audience is the first step to building a brand and a product that sells,” she shared. The discussion opened participants’ minds to market-driven business strategies grounded in research and consumer behavior.

From Dialogue to Real Action

More than just a talk show, Inclusive Talks became a tangible step toward building an inclusive economic ecosystem in Semarang. Participants left not only with inspiration but also with new networks and collaborative plans to develop after the event.

Through the joint efforts of Collabox, BAPPEDA, and DINSOS Semarang, the event proved that economic independence for the disability community is not merely a discourse, it’s a collective movement toward a more inclusive, equitable, and competitive Semarang.

About Inclusive Talks

Inclusive Talks is part of the CollaTalks series, an initiative by Collabox Creative Hub designed to explore social, economic, and creative issues in Semarang. This inclusive edition marks an important milestone in expanding the reach of the creative economy to ensure accessibility for all, including people with disabilities. Collabox believes that a truly creative economy is one that creates space for everyone to grow, collaborate, and succeed. 💚💚