Jakarta, 20 June 2025: Persons with disabilities – including those with physical, intellectual, and mental conditions – make up 16% of the global population, or around 1.3 billion people. Up to 20% of the population is likely to be neurodivergent, meaning that more than one third of people may need accommodations at work in order to participate and contribute. Many continue to face persistent attitudinal, environmental, institutional, and social barriers, often compounded by intersectional factors and further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Southeast Asia, cultural biases also limit diagnosis and broader understanding of neurodiversity. These realities highlight the critical need for inclusive practices that enable meaningful socio-economic participation for all.
In response, ERIA and Steps – a social enterprise focusing on advancing neuroinclusion in ASEAN – co-hosted the Jakarta edition of the ‘HR Inclusion Tour’ on 20 June 2025. Held at the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC), the event featured a panel discussion and a series of workshops aimed at promoting more inclusive work environments.
Delivering her opening remarks online, Dr Giulia Ajmone Marsan (Head of Startups and Inclusion at ERIA) emphasised how digital technology can be a game changer in creating inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities, accelerating progress toward broader inclusion and equitable economic empowerment. Lina Maulidina Sabrina (Senior Programme Officer at ERIA) provided a brief overview of E-DISC and its mission to foster inclusive digital transformation.
The event’s first session was a panel discussion led by Max Simpson (Founder and CEO of Steps), which explored the real meaning of inclusion by highlighting authentic voices and lived experiences. Panellists included Marthella Rivera Roidatua (Founder and CEO of KONEKIN), Jeffry Johary (Managing Director and President Director of OCS Indonesia), Fairuz Nurul Izzah (Social Media Copywriter), and Ama Dandon (Inclusive Education Expert). They shared insights on strategies for fostering a better understanding of neurodiversity in the workforce, underscoring the importance of recognising individual strengths, the role of caregivers, and the need for a paradigm shift towards openness and empathy.
I was honored to share my thoughts and personal journey on what inclusive leadership truly means. For me, inclusion isn’t about compliance or ticking boxes. It’s about seeing people for who they are, recognizing their strengths, and creating environments where they can thrive with dignity.
– Jeffry Johary (Managing Director and President Director of OCS Indonesia)
Session 2 featured mini workshops on building inclusive workplaces, facilitated by Nadhifatun Nurrur Rahma (Human Capital Business Partner at KONEKIN). Participants explored practical strategies and heard firsthand experiences on creating welcoming and supportive environments.
The third session, facilitated by Pear Chainares (Head of Inclusive Employment at Steps), explored the application of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles in Asia and introduced key concepts of neurodiversity in the workplace.
The final session addressed workplace accommodations for accessibility, offering participants tools and activities to better understand inclusive hiring practices and support neurodivergent individuals in the workforce. Thanks to our lead participant, OCS Indonesia, and our host partner ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, the event was a resounding success. Filled with practical strategies, honest conversations, expert insights, and moments of reflection:
‘True inclusion doesn’t begin with hiring, it begins with mindset.’
‘Growth is about creating safe environments where people can contribute and be seen!’
‘I felt seen. Heard. Supported.’
‘Studying neurodiversity is truly valuable and provides a wealth of insights.’
‘Simple, intimate, insightful, and fun!’
Highlights included:
– Stories from neurodivergent employees and inclusive employers
– Ways HR leaders can champion culture change across sectors
– Tools for accessible recruitment and onboarding
We are proud to support organisations in Indonesia and beyond on the journey to inclusion.
Read the blogpost at ERIA website: https://www.eria.org/news-and-views/eria-and-steps-collaborate-to-promote-inclusive-workplaces-in-asean