TANGERANG —-— In a simple room at the Dompet Dhuafa Karawaci Independence Institute (IK) campus in Tangerang, enthusiastic laughter and greetings echoed throughout the room. Cell phone cameras were turned on, tripods were adjusted, and hands full of enthusiasm greeted an audience that was not yet visible. For the 14 people with disabilities who were present that day, live selling became a gateway to new hope.
The Dompet Dhuafa Independence Institute officially launched its Digital Live Selling Training for people with disabilities on January 27, 2026. This program serves as both a learning space and a confidence-building space for those who have often faced limitations in accessing formal employment.
The training participants came from diverse backgrounds, with seven men and seven women of productive age. However, they shared one commonality: the desire for independence. Through collaboration between the Independence Institute and MPZ (Zakat Management Partner) of the Indonesia Setara Foundation, as well as support from Inclusion Partners and the Independent Disability Foundation, this training was designed to address the challenges of the digital age workplace.
The director of the Independence Institute, Abdurrahman Usman, said that true equality is not enough to be discussed, but must be presented in the form of real access and opportunities.
“People with disabilities are not a group that needs to be pitied. They have the same potential to grow and empower themselves, as long as they are given fair space and trust,” he said.
Amid the rapid growth of digital retail, live selling has emerged as an increasingly relevant job opportunity. This field does not require high mobility or a conventional workspace. With a camera, internet connection, and communication skills, anyone can sell from home.
This is the opportunity that this training aims to open up. Participants are equipped with technical skills such as the basics of live streaming, algorithm management, product and audience strategies, and broadcast performance analysis. They are also trained in building self-confidence, personal branding, and the ability to communicate with audiences.
General Manager of Branch Network Development and MPZ Dompet Dhuafa, Bobby Manulang, reminded that behind technology, the key to success remains human beings.
“More than half of consumer decisions are influenced by how a product is presented. This is where creativity and honesty become strengths. Today, you are meeting with an institution that is ready to assist you. Take advantage of this as a first step towards independence,” he said.
The training days were filled with hands-on practice. Participants tried greeting the camera, promoting products, and learning to read audience responses. There was nervousness at first, but it slowly turned into smiles and confidence.
For the Institute of Independence, this training is an effort to pave the way for people with disabilities to stand on equal footing, be economically empowered, and have their capabilities recognized in the creative and digital retail industries.
Behind the simple scenes of live selling, big dreams are growing—dreams of independence, equal opportunities, and a future that can be built with one’s own hands. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Siti Halimatussadiah, Aji Pangestu
Editor: Dhika