Struggling from the Bottom, Now Jajang Successfully Established 2 Massage Outlets by Hiring Blind Worker

Employees are given free lodging and meals

CIMAHI (January 3^rd, 2023) - For almost 12 years, Jajang has been working in a business that requires a sense of touch. Getting to know the points of reflection, the transfer of energy from the fingers in the timeless style of traditional medicine.

Jajang Komar (43 years old) made a big decision in his life. Amidst the limitations of enjoying the beauty of the world, he was still able to organize his future, even the future of his people, people with visual sensory disabilities.

"For about 12 years, I worked at a reflexology clinic. I had a thought that I couldn't work for people forever. I want to help my neighbors (PD Sensory Impairment). So, I decided to resign and open my own business," said Jajang when met at his Putra Mandiri Blind Massage Clinic in Cimahi, on Saturday (31/12).

A man from Garut, West Java, has been familiar with reflexology since 2002 when he attended massage training at the "Wyata Guna" Center in Bandung, one of the UPTs owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Diligently, he attended the training for a year, eventually becoming one of the outstanding participants.

He started his career in 2004 by working at Indra Raba reflexology clinic in Bandung. In 2005, he moved to another massage clinic to gain more experience. Until 2008, he worked at Jarima Massage Clinic for 8 years.

He moved from one massage clinic to another to learn the management of massage clinics. He has made plans to open his massage clinic. While working, he saved up for his big dream, to be able to open up jobs for people with visual sensory disabilities.

Full of experience, in 2016, he officially resigned from Jarima Reflexology. He opened his massage clinic called the Putra Mandiri Blind Massage Clinic with a capital of Rp25 million. The Ministry of Social Affairs supported him in opening a massage clinic by assisting with cots and mattresses, bolster pillows, bolster pillow covers, massage oil, small towels, and sheets,

Initially, only one employee was recruited to work at his clinic. However, now, he has six employees.

His monthly turnover is approximately Rp10 million. His operating hours are from 08.00-21.00 WIB. Apart from that, he also provides a simple mess and regular meals for employees. This portrait of working based on family is Jajang's big goal. It is simple but felt by his people.

"I try to provide for my friends, provide food, shelter, hopefully, it can be a blessing. Because of my previous work experience, I rented my place and ate my own food, so this is a plus that I can share with my friends," he said.

Jajang does not forget to keep upgrading himself. While working, he continued his undergraduate education with a major in Tarbiyah - Islamic Education at STAI YAPATA Al Jawami in Cileunyi. After graduating in 2020, Jajang participated in computer accounting training at the "Wyata Guna" Center in Bandung for 4 months. He said that this knowledge was important for recording the finances of his reflexology business.

After the training, Jajang was also given a laptop from Sentra "Wyata Guna" in Bandung to support his business. This is an effort by the Ministry of Social Affairs to monitor and assist beneficiaries to become independent.

After being implemented, Jajang's financial records are getting tidier so that his savings are enough to open a reflexology clinic branch. Finally, in 2021, Jajang opened a reflexology clinic branch in West Bandung with 3 employees.

At that time, right during the pandemic, amid many businesses going out of business, he was still able to survive. "Staying open by implementing health protocols. At least you can eat with friends," he said.

Many regular customers get reflexology massages here. Like Faiz (37), who has special considerations for getting regular massages at Jajang's clinic. "The place is not too big, but very clean. The therapist is also experienced so the service is good, friendly, and makes you comfortable," he said.

Besides being happy that many customers praise the services at his clinic, Jajang also feels happy to be able to recruit friends with visual sensory disabilities. He said it was one of his life goals.

Solihin, one of Jajang's work partners, admitted that he has been with Jajang for 4 years. He and his friends who work feel comfortable and feel not only bound by work relationships but also are family relationships. This is because Jajang creates a family environment, not between superiors and employees, but as work partners.

All these achievements cannot be separated from the support of his wife, Nurmala (38), and his parents. His confidence since childhood grew because his parents never felt prestigious to have children with limitations. In fact, out of 5 siblings, Jajang is considered the most independent.

Until now, Jajang still aspires to open another branch in the Tangerang area. Still with his mission, which is to empower friends with visual sensory disabilities who have reflexology skills, grateful for the gift of the sense of touch they have.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs RI