Yogyakarta, October 2, 2024 – In commemoration of Batik Day, the Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Difabel Care along with the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Directorate of Community Service of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited the handicraft of written batik at Difabelzone, Nglarang, Bantul. This activity was the beginning of UGM’s collaboration with the Difabelzone community. This is in line with UGM’s commitment as an inclusive campus as well as part of UGM’s contribution in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim of increasing decent jobs and economic growth and also reducing inequality.
Difabelzone is a community to develop for people with disabilities that presents the principle of inclusion to support people with disabilities to be independent and productive through batik art crafts. Since its initial establishment, in 2017, Difabelzone is not only a place to embrace people with disabilities, but also to provide employment and foster independence. Through batik crafts, Difabelzone is also a place for people with disabilities and volunteers to take action for environmental awareness.
During its 7-year journey, Difabelzone has achieved various achievements and held several exhibitions and workshops. However, Difabelzone still faces various challenges such as emotional, marketing, financial, and accounting management. To overcome these problems, UGM is ready to collaborate with Difabelzone to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to work and create micro, small and medium enterprises that can compete widely.
Wuri Handayani, S.E., Ak., M.Si., M.A., Ph.D., Lecturer of the Faculty of Economics and Business as well as the supervisor of Student Activity Unit of Difable Care, opened the topic of financial management and offered assistance in managing financial statements for Difabelzone. “Marketing management and bookkeeping of financial statements have crucial functions for micro, small and medium enterprises for funding purposes from external parties,” said Wuri.
The visit was closed with joy and warmth through the words of Mr. Rahmat, one of Difabelzone’s batik craftsmen, who expressed his hope for continued cooperation and brotherhood with UGM. The hope was warmly welcomed by Dr. Hempri Suyatna, Secretary of Directorate of Student Affairs. “This visit is the starting point of collaboration and cooperation between UGM and Difabelzone. We will always assist friends with disabilities to prosper socially and financially,” said Hempri.
With these kinds of activities and collaborations, it is hoped that the UGM and the community will always care about friends with disabilities and realize an inclusive campus environment. At the end of the visit, Mega, one of the disabled friends at Difabelzone also conveyed a warm goodbye, “Hopefully Difabelzone can continue to be more successful, enthusiastic, and always visited by good people”, said Mega.