BEKASI – The Indonesian Parents of Children with Disabilities Association (Portadin) collaborated with the Ministry of SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia to hold an Entrepreneur Hub event with the theme Strengthening the Business Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, held at Ibis Hotel, Jatibening, Bekasi City from Thursday to Friday.

The event was opened by the wife of the Minister of SMEs, followed by the handover of the decree appointing her as a member of the Portadin Advisory Council.

Also in attendance were members of the Portadin Advisory Council including the wife of the Minister of Social Affairs, the Deputy for Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia, the wife of the Mayor of Bekasi, the Head of the Bekasi City SME Department, and a member of the Bekasi City Regional House of Representatives.

The Chairperson of Portadin Bekasi City explained that this agenda is an effort to provide access for parents of children with disabilities to build a business entrepreneurial mindset and ecosystem.

This activity also held an exhibition of various works resulting from the collaboration between children with disabilities and their parents, to serve as a market foundation for the economic growth of the disability community.

“The existence of products resulting from the collaboration between children and parents is expected to foster self-confidence and the ability to contribute,” said this disability community activist.

They also hope that after this event, sustainable collaboration can be built between entrepreneurs with disabilities and government and private parties to open access to capital, training and marketing.

The wife of the Minister of SMEs said that this agenda is expected to serve as a bridge to synergize in supporting efforts to fight for the equal rights of children with disabilities through the agenda of strengthening the business entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We can continue to provide support for the development of entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities so that this event does not only last until today but can continue sustainably,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy for Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia expressed appreciation for the activity organized on the initiative of Portadin and in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs, the Bekasi City Government, the National Disability Commission and other collaborators.

They also stated that this activity to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for persons with disabilities is a concrete form of joint efforts in fighting for equality, this is nothing but to eliminate negative perceptions of the talents and contributions of persons with disabilities which are often overlooked due to discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Head of the SME and Cooperative Department who read the speech from the Mayor of Bekasi expressed gratitude and appreciation for the implementation of the agenda.

“Appreciation for this agenda, in order to support SME business actors with disabilities in Bekasi City, today’s activity is a concrete step that is in line with the efforts of the Bekasi City Government in encouraging an inclusive and fair ecosystem,” he said.

At the end of the agenda inauguration closing, the National Chairperson of Portadin gave awards and thanks to the Portadin Advisory Council and everyone who had collaborated for the success of the event.

This agenda, which was not only held in the form of training, also included an expo of quality products by persons with disabilities that were displayed, exhibited and sold to the public.

Ministry of SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia

The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small & Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia is a government institution responsible for developing and empowering the nation’s cooperatives and SMEs. It was established to support a crucial sector of the Indonesian economy, with its structure and focus evolving over time to better foster entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and economic growth.

Ibis Hotel

The Ibis Hotel is a global budget hotel chain founded in France in 1974, known for offering standardized, affordable accommodation. It has since expanded to over 1,200 locations worldwide, becoming a pioneer in the economy hotel sector by focusing on consistent quality and value for business and leisure travelers.

Bekasi City

Bekasi is a city located in West Java, Indonesia, on the eastern border of the capital, Jakarta. Historically, it was part of the ancient Tarumanagara and Sunda Kingdoms, with evidence of its past found in inscriptions like the Tugu inscription. Today, it is a major industrial and residential hub, known for its rapid urbanization and as a key part of the Jakarta metropolitan area.

Portadin Advisory Council

I am unable to find any historical or cultural information on a place or site called the “Portadin Advisory Council.” It is possible the name may be misspelled, or it could refer to a specific local organization, committee, or business rather than a widely recognized cultural or historical landmark. For an accurate summary, verifying the correct name or providing more context would be helpful.

Ministry of Social Affairs

The Ministry of Social Affairs is a government department responsible for developing and implementing social welfare policies, such as those related to healthcare, poverty alleviation, and family services. Its history is tied to the modern expansion of the state’s role in citizen welfare, with many such ministries being formally established in the 20th century to systematize social protection. The specific founding date and historical milestones vary by country, but its core mission is universally to promote social justice and public well-being.

Bekasi City SME Department

The Bekasi City SME Department is a local government agency in Indonesia dedicated to supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It was established to foster economic growth by providing business training, facilitating market access, and offering financial assistance programs. Its history is tied to the city’s broader economic planning initiatives aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening the community’s economic resilience.

Bekasi City Regional House of Representatives

The Bekasi City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Kota Bekasi) is the local legislative body for the city of Bekasi, Indonesia. It was established following the city’s official formation as an autonomous administrative region separate from the Bekasi Regency in 1996. The institution is responsible for creating local regulations, budgeting, and overseeing the executive government of Bekasi City.

National Disability Commission

The National Disability Commission is a government body established to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Its history is tied to the broader disability rights movement, often being created or empowered by landmark legislation, such as a national disability act, to ensure social inclusion and equal opportunities. The commission typically works to eliminate discrimination and advise the government on disability-related policies.