Blindness Becomes More Empowered With Professional Massage Training

JAKARTA – People with visual disabilities are no longer seen as a limited group in their work. In the midst of the challenges they face, they are now empowered through massage skills training.

This training not only opens job opportunities, but also builds confidence and economic independence. One of the real initiatives came from the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) through the Mahatmiya Bali Center which actively provides visually impaired people with professional massage skills.

Head of the Mahatmiya Bali Center, Sumarno Sri Wibowo, explained that the training lasted an average of four months in Banjar Anyar Village, Tabanan Regency, Bali. Currently, three visually impaired people are participating in the program, guided by two instructors from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

“The training took place for about four months. After that, the participants will continue to the internship stage before entering the world of work,” explained Sumarno, as quoted by ANTARA.

The previous year, eight people had attended similar training. After the training, some of them were successfully absorbed into the hotel industry, some even dared to open their own business. Each participant also obtained an official certificate from the Ministry of Social Affairs as proof of professionally recognized expertise.

“There is one of our alumni who now works at a hotel in Badung Regency, with a rate of up to one million rupiah per hour,” said Sumarno.

Meanwhile, Yudi Hamzah Hermawan, one of the instructors, said that the training material was focused on fitness massage. Participants are taught to recognize certain points on the body and immediately practice the massage technique.

The duration of training can be adjusted. If participants quickly master it, then they can immediately continue the internship. And everything is free of charge,” Yudi explained.

Komang Arta, a participant from Buleleng, shared his experience. He has attended training for almost four months, after being referred by the local Social Service. Komang, who has experienced total vision loss since 2018 due to genetic factors, admitted that this training greatly helped him.

“Training from Monday to Thursday is also provided for dormitories and meals. It is very helpful,” said Komang, who previously worked in the marketing sector.

Currently, the Mahatmiya Center in Tabanan trains a total of 13 participants, including various skills such as massage, computers, barista, and sewing. Participants not only come from the blind, but also include children in conflict with the law, families of terrorism survivors, the elderly, ODHA, narcotics survivors, to people with mental disorders.

The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language.
(system supported by DigitalSiber.id)