Access to employment for people with disabilities remains limited in Indonesia. Data from the Ministry of Manpower recorded that the workforce participation rate of approximately 17 million people with disabilities of working age reached only 20.14 per cent in 2025.
This situation has driven the development of creative workspaces that connect the capabilities of people with disabilities with economic opportunities. One initiative involves the fashion sector by transforming participants' artwork into commercial products.
Dama Kara Foundation, which was founded in 2024, has developed this approach through a programme that includes drawing classes with one-on-one guidance from an art facilitator, followed by artwork development through workshops, exhibitions, and fashion products. Founder and CEO of Dama Kara Foundation Nurdini Prihastiti said the programme was designed to create space for people with disabilities to develop their abilities and produce work.
Participants' work is combined with traditional Indonesian textiles and applied to products such as kebaya, outerwear, and skirts. Dama Kara products have been marketed to Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea and exhibited at fashion events in France and South Korea. Participants receive mentoring and facilities at no cost, whilst part of the proceeds from collection sales are allocated to support drawing classes for other people with disabilities.
According to Prihastiti, developing enterprises involving people with disabilities aims not only to generate profit but also to create work opportunities and economic value for participants. Dama Kara continues to grow because of the direct contribution of participants with disabilities, she said.
