In this follow-up project called  SIPA KATU-PAKARENA  the organisation hopes that the young people affected by leprosy can develop further and become catalysts for change of a better life for older people affected by leprosy, especially for women.

The previous Sipakatau project was carried out in three sub-districts, namely Pallangga, Bajeng and Barombong. The project has now expanded to include three additional sub-districts, namely Bontonompo, South Bontonompo and Patallassang in Gowa Regency. The selection of these new sub-districts is based on preliminary data from PerMaTa showing a relatively high number of new cases of leprosy.

As a start, young people of Sipakatau identify other youths in the three new sub-districts who are affected/ have disabilities caused by leprosy. Identification takes place through data collection in the health centres, followed by a visit to the young people’s home and an invitation to join PerMaTa Gowa. As a second step, the existing young people from Sipakatau pass on their knowledge and experience to the new members mainly through “in-house training” activities such as focus group discussions, trainings and workshops.

The new members also receive training in critical thinking and problem solving to be more sensitive to situation analysis in the communities and with the elderly people. These specific
capacity strengthening activities are carried out by PerMaTa South Sulawesi and PerMaTa Gowa. Thereafter, the old and new cohort (together) accompany and work with the older people, at least 50% of whom are women. The young people identify the problems of the elderly, such as poor housing, poor sanitation and poor economic conditions. They make these problems known to the community and local government, and thus become an extraordinary “bridge” to problem solving. Apart from this, joint activities of the young and old people are carried out, such as vocational skills training and training in small business planning.
Also, training in mobilisation of community and of community organisers is conducted, based
on local knowledge such as the concept of gotong royong (mutual cooperation). Through these
activities, it is hoped that young people become more empowered and they realise that they can become catalysts for changing their environment towards better quality of life.

This project is part of an Empowerment Accelerator pilot grant. These grants are for previous Empowerment grantees that would like to deepen and/or continue their empowerment journey. For this project it is a continuation of Sipa Katau

Breaking the Stigma: How PerMaTa is Empowering Young People Affected by Leprosy in Indonesia

For many young people in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, a leprosy diagnosis is not just a health challenge—it is a barrier to social inclusion, employment, and self-confidence. The SIPA KATU-PAKARENA, implemented by Perhimpunan Mandiri Kusta (PerMaTa), set out to change the narrative, ensuring that young people affected by leprosy are not just accepted in their communities but are seen as leaders, changemakers, and contributors to society.

Through peer support, leadership training, and direct community engagement, the project has transformed self-stigma into empowerment, helping young people reclaim their confidence, participate actively in society, and even secure employment opportunities.

Empowering Through Peer Support and Community Engagement

The SIPA KATU-PAKARENA Project focused on building a network of empowered youth who could support each other and advocate for greater inclusion. Over 72 young people who have experienced leprosy were engaged through:

• Peer-led empowerment programs, where those who had overcome stigma became mentors for others.
• Community involvement initiatives, such as assisting residents in obtaining identity documents, helping families access social assistance programs, and accompanying patients to medical appointments.
• Leadership training, equipping youth with the confidence and skills to advocate for their rights and contribute to local development.

This peer-to-peer model proved to be one of the project’s greatest successes—many participants not only overcame their own stigma but also became facilitators, helping others break free from social exclusion.

Changing Perceptions, Changing Lives

A significant achievement of the project was changing how communities perceive people affected by leprosy. Many young people who were once rejected, feared, or ignored are now actively participating in society.

• Five project participants secured meaningful jobs, breaking long-standing barriers to employment.
• Youth involved in the project have been invited to collaborate on other initiatives, showing that their leadership is being recognized beyond the project.
• PerMaTa Sul-Sel’s advocacy work has gained national and even international recognition, with the organization becoming a key reference point for issues related to leprosy.

The local government and health institutions have also taken notice, with PerMaTa now regularly assisting in efforts to track and support new leprosy cases, promote treatment adherence, and advocate for policy changes.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

One of the most important lessons from this project is that no one is incapable—opportunity and support are what make the difference. Many of the young people who started the project with low self-esteem and no confidence are now thriving, simply because they were given the space to grow and contribute.

Key takeaways include:

• Empowerment must be hands-on. Engaging young people in real community work—rather than just training—helped them see their value and gain confidence.
• Addressing stigma requires both personal and public transformation. It was not just about helping individuals overcome self-stigma but also about educating communities to change their perceptions.
• Sustainability depends on collaboration. Government agencies, NGOs, and civil society groups must continue to invest in youth leadership and inclusion programs.

Looking ahead, PerMaTa hopes to expand its outreach, strengthen advocacy efforts, and continue breaking the barriers that limit the rights and opportunities of people affected by leprosy.

The SIPA KATU-PAKARENA Project is proof that when young people are given the chance to lead, they can redefine their futures and reshape society’s understanding of what is possible.