Bandung, June 17, 2025 — PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART), a leading telecommunications company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), has reiterated its commitment through its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, "XLSMART Empowers People with Disabilities 2025". This program is a continuation of CSR initiatives established in 2023, with a particular emphasis on improving the entrepreneurial and digital literacy capabilities of people with disabilities. Held at Darut Tauhid, Geger Kalong, Bandung, the program was officially inaugurated by XLSMART Central Region Group Head Arif Farhan Budiyanto, Chairman of the Darut Tauhid Peduli Foundation & Executive Director of LAZ Darut Tauhid Peduli, Dr. Muhammad Iskandar, S.I.P., M.M, and Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities, Norman Yulian, on Tuesday (17/6).
This initiative is supported by strategic partners including Darut Tauhid Peduli (DT Peduli), Bloggercrony Community Indonesia (BCC), the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities (PPDI), the Bisindo and Accessibility Team (TIBA) Surabaya, and Teman Pintar Indonesia. It includes a series of online and offline training sessions as well as intensive mentoring.
Merza Fachys, XLSMART's Director & Chief Regulatory Officer, stated, "This program is a practical manifestation of XLSMART's commitment to ensuring fair access for all. We believe that technology provides a bridge to opportunity. We hope that by inclusive training and mentoring, people with hearing and mobility disabilities can enhance their digital skills and make a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's digital economy.
This program is a key part of XLSMART's efforts to empower people with disabilities, as it is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education, decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities. As a technology-driven company, as XLSMART is committed to encouraging access and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly within the digital ecosystem.
XLSMART emphasises that people with disabilities continue to confront barriers to information and appropriate training. With this initiative, XLSMART seeks to widen access and possibilities for people with hearing and mobility impairments to attain economic independence, gain competitive entrepreneurial skills, and utilise digital platforms to grow their business.
Merza emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating chances and pathways for people with disabilities to thrive and contribute meaningfully. XLSMART is dedicated to expanding this program to more cities and supporting more people with disabilities.
This initiative builds on XLSMART's effort from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, activities focused on food donations to Islamic boarding schools and disability foundations, as well as digital literacy training at a hearing-impaired boarding school in Temanggung, Central Java. In 2024, digital literacy training was expanded to a hearing-impaired boarding school in Bandung, followed by the Job-Ready Disabilities program in Medan, Surabaya, Jakarta, and Bandung. XLSMART also provided an inclusive internship program for people with disabilities at its Jakarta headquarters and regional offices in Bandung, Medan, and Surabaya.
In 2025, the program continues under the new initiative "XLSMART Empowers People with Disabilities," which debuted in Bandung. The primary goal is to encourage digital entrepreneurship through online and offline training, as well as extended mentoring for participants with disabilities. With a spirit of inclusion and collaboration, XLSMART seeks to promote equitable possibilities for people with disabilities to become economically empowered and independent in the digital era.
The main objectives of this program are threefold: first, building confidence and potential in participants with disabilities so that they can compete in the business world; second, to improve their skills and experience through comprehensive training and mentoring; and third, to provide equal access to technology so they can build sustainable and independent businesses.
Digital Entrepreneurship Training
The training began on June 16, 2025, via Zoom, with 100 participants from Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bengkulu, West Sumatra, Jambi, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and North Sulawesi. The training focused on four major topics: Teman Pintar Indonesia, Empowered Disabilities Skillset, Business for Beginners, and Digital Media Literacy. Each program featured interactive Q&A sessions with experienced mentors.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 20 selected participants from the online training attended an in-person training session in Bandung. During the offline training, participants learnt AI-based content marketing strategies, practiced developing digital content, and took pre- and post-tests to assess their results. These seminars were developed to ensure that new abilities are applied practically and have a direct impact on their businesses.
Following the training, participants will receive intense online mentoring until July 2025 to ensure the training contents are effectively and sustainably implemented. Expert speakers delivering the four training topics include XLSMART’s Head of Corporate Communication & CSR and representative of Teman Pintar Indonesia Dani Miftahul Akhyar, representatives from TIBA Surabaya, a professional sales coach, and a BNSP-certified digital marketing trainer. This collaboration highlights that entrepreneurs, professional trainers, and digital literacy advocates collaborate to support the program.
As part of its DEI strategy and long-term sustainability commitment, XLSMART expects that this effort will serve as an example and inspiration to other companies. The organisation affirms that empowering persons with disabilities is a long-term movement ingrained in the company culture.