Jusman began opening a fried siomay (Indonesian dumpling) business and secured a strategic selling spot near Elementary School (SD) 130 Benteng in Mappedeceng District, where he also works as a school janitor with a salary of around 500 thousand rupiah per month.
MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – Masamba, Tuesday (07/04/26): “Never blame circumstances. Work sincerely, with enthusiasm, and always be grateful for what you have, because gratitude is a beauty beyond compare.”
This short, spontaneous motivational quote was expressed by Jusman (35), a fried siomay vendor who lives in Bone Kallua Hamlet, Taratallu Village, Mappedeceng District, North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province.
He is a quiet man who has lived with a disability since birth. However, despite his physical limitations—particularly in his legs, which slightly hinder his mobility—Jusman has never given up on his condition. Instead, his limitations have become a driving force and motivation for him to live independently with his wife and child.
In addition to selling fried siomay, he often takes on daily labor jobs, such as peeling coconuts for neighbors and occasionally working as a construction laborer.
In 2023, Jusman received a three-wheeled motorbike from the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos RI) through Sentra Wirajaya.
He then started his fried siomay business and obtained a strategic selling location around SD 130 Benteng in Mappedeceng District, where he also works as a school janitor with a salary of about 500 thousand rupiah per month.
Although the motorbike assistance was initially used to transport palm oil harvests, it did not last long as it did not meet his expectations. He then decided to try selling fried siomay using the three-wheeled motorbike.
Currently, his new business is greatly supported by his wife, Anggi Ayu Andira (33), who is also a person with a disability. From their siomay business, they are able to earn around 200 thousand rupiah per day.
Amid his daily routine of selling fried siomay, the Head of Sentra Wirajaya Makassar, Syamsuddin, visited and directly observed Jusman’s activities at SD 130 Benteng on Tuesday (07/04/26).
Accompanied by the Head of the Social Affairs Office of North Luwu Regency, Muhammad Yamin, and the Principal of SD 130 Benteng, Sumarni, Syamsuddin expressed pride in the progress of Jusman’s business and offered words of encouragement.
“Never feel tired of trying. With the three-wheeled motorbike assistance provided by Sentra Wirajaya Makassar, it is hoped that it can support Mr. Jusman’s family livelihood,” said Syamsuddin.
Usually, after Jusman finishes selling siomay, his wife Anggi continues her work as a tailor, sewing clothes such as shirts and pants.
Through the siomay business, tailoring, and other activities, Jusman is now able to support his family’s needs, send his only child to school—who is currently in the fifth grade of elementary school—and has even managed to own a house.
His spirit of independence continues to burn, proving to the public that limitations are not a barrier to living independently.
“Never give up on your circumstances. Limitations are not obstacles. Turn your shortcomings and uniqueness into motivation, because behind it all, there is always a beautiful plan from God. This can only be achieved through effort and prayer.”
This message is the guiding spirit that keeps Jusman going in the business he continues to pursue to this day.