Advancing disability inclusion in Indonesia

In 2025, Thiess’ All-Abilities Subcommittee in Indonesia, partnered with their Indonesia Leadership Team to enhance governance and support systems for employees with disabilities. A key focus was ensuring accurate and compliant workforce reporting by confirming the disability categories formally recognised by the Indonesian Government.

Through consultations with government agencies and disability-focused non-profit organisations, Thiess verified that hearing loss and colour blindness are classified as disabilities. With these categories included, employees with disabilities represented 1.9% of the workforce (52 of 2,630) – surpassing the government’s minimum requirement of 1%.

Thiess’ commitment to inclusion extends beyond the workplace into local communities. Through the ‘Belajar Bersama Thiess’ (BERBASIES) program, the Thiess team delivered 40 hours of education support across several communities where they operate. At the MSJ Project, Thiess implemented BERBASIES in Bukit Pariaman Village, assisting 21 sixth-grade students, including students with disabilities, to strengthen their English proficiency ahead of national examinations. Additionally, the Balikpapan Support Facility provided basic computer training to 21 community members, three of whom were individuals with disabilities. These initiatives aimed to improve digital literacy and expand employment pathways, with participants reporting increased confidence, enhanced technical skills, and greater readiness for future opportunities.

In October 2025, the Thiess team introduced ‘Orang Tua Berdaya’, a new initiative designed to support employees who are parents of children with disabilities. The program launched with a company-wide webinar and personalised counselling sessions for participating employees, receiving highly positive feedback. Plans are underway to expand the program in 2026. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Thiess’ strong commitment to disability inclusion.