Encouraging Independence, IDM Presents Special Skills Empowerment for People with Disabilities in the SPADIFA Community in Bantul

InJourney Destination Management (IDM) held the InJourney Creativity House, a program for the Empowerment of Special Skills for People with Disabilities, in Imogiri Subdistrict, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. This activity featured intensive bamboo weaving training for members of the Social Welfare Institution for Friends of People with Disabilities (LKS SPADIFA). The training lasted five days, from September 29 to October 3, 2025.

Participants at the InJourney Creativity House receive bamboo weaving training focused on improving manual skills, fostering creativity, and fostering economic independence. This activity also provides a space for self-actualization for people with disabilities, enabling them to continue creating and empowering themselves in their communities.

"In Bantul, bamboo is abundant and presents a tremendous opportunity for our SPADIFA colleagues. Through this training, we want the skills taught to be truly applicable and sustainable. We also provide operational equipment and marketing support to ensure sustainable production," explained IDM Sustainability Division Head Ismiyati.

Over the five-day training, participants learned basic weaving techniques, from selecting and processing bamboo to developing high-value product designs. More than just skills training, this activity provided a platform for fostering independence, building self-confidence, and strengthening collaboration among community members.

"These five days are not just training, but a momentum for change. We are committed to supporting our friends with disabilities to continue developing and becoming independent," added Ismiyati.

One of the training participants, Sulistyo (33), said he hoped the activity would increase interest and create business opportunities for woven bamboo. This interest was driven by the readily available raw materials in the Imogiri area of ​​Bantul.

"We gathered proposals for this program from friends with disabilities. They wanted to learn weaving techniques because the raw materials are readily available. Meanwhile, orders for bamboo baskets (besek) continue to flow due to the large market. Therefore, we hope this training will not only teach manufacturing skills but also marketing techniques so that the products can reach consumers directly," he explained.

InJourney Destination Management's collaboration with LKS SPADIFA is nothing new. IDM supports this initiative by distributing work equipment to MSMEs with disabilities. Through this program, participants with disabilities gain greater opportunities to network, learn, and develop their potential.

InJourney Destination Management strives to create learning spaces that empower communities around tourism destinations. This initiative is part of the company's sustainability strategy to ensure that every element of society, including people with disabilities, can thrive and actively participate in the national tourism ecosystem.