United in Silence, Yoga with the Deaf Community

For the first time in Surabaya, a yoga session was specially introduced to the Deaf community, marking a meaningful step toward inclusivity through movement and mindfulness. On Friday, 26 September 2025, twenty participants eagerly joined the “Yoga for Deaf” session held by the poolside of Midtown Residence Surabaya, home to the highest pool area in South Surabaya.

Twenty participants eagerly joined the “Yoga for Deaf” session held by the poolside of Midtown Residence Surabaya

The class was led by Noy, a yoga instructor affectionately known for her calm energy and patient teaching. She guided the Deaf participants, respectfully called “Teman Tuli” in Indonesian, through a series of basic yoga poses. Assisting her was Shafa from Kitasetara Foundation, who served as a sign language interpreter, translating each instruction and movement in real time. Occasionally, Coach Noy approached participants directly to correct their posture, ensuring that everyone could experience yoga safely and effectively. 

As the clock struck 5 p.m., participants were already positioned on their mats, each labeled with their names. The class began with gentle warm-ups such as twisting, side bends, and butterfly poses. Soon, the participants’ initial curiosity turned into smiles and laughter as they immersed themselves in their very first yoga experience. The session continued into more dynamic movements, including the low lunge with bending and twisting combinations, before ending with a relaxing cooldown in the classic child’s pose. Every movement aimed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility, core elements of yoga practice. “It was so much fun and inspiring to teach yoga to the Deaf community for the first time. They were so focused, full of energy, and eager to learn,” said Noy, visibly moved by the experience. One of the participants, Devi, 22, expressed her excitement through Bisindo sign language, smiling as she shared, “It was fun! I really enjoyed it, even though it was a bit sore,” followed by cheerful laughter.

The “Yoga for Deaf” activity was part of Midtown Connect, a social responsibility initiative by Midtown Hotels Indonesia. It celebrated the first anniversary of the “Kopi Tutur Rasa” program, a project that has empowered eight Deaf individuals since 2024 by training them as skilled baristas. Today, they confidently serve guests at several Midtown properties, including Midtown Hotel Surabaya, Midtown Residence Surabaya, Crown Prince Hotel Surabaya, and Verwood Hotel & Serviced Residence Surabaya. The event also featured a lively bazaar near the poolside Escape area, where visitors could enjoy various activities such as the Doodle Corner, Tarot Corner, and Kitasetara Corner. These spaces offered guests a chance to learn about disability culture through basic Bisindo sign language lessons and introductions to Braille writing. 

Meanwhile, the Culinary Corner was buzzing with the “Kopi Tutur Rasa” Deaf baristas proudly serving their original coffee creations, including Kopi Klepon Gen-Z, Roasted Cone Coffee, Berry Fit Latte, and Sakura Coffee, each offering a distinct and creative flavor. Another highlight was Layar TanCUP Café, an artistic booth draped in white linen and backlit to cast striking shadow silhouettes of baristas brewing coffee, evoking nostalgic imagery of traditional Javanese shadow puppetry and outdoor film screens from the 1990s.

The entire event embodied the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration. “Yoga for Deaf” and all its surrounding activities represented a step toward building a more inclusive ecosystem, where individuals of all abilities can interact and thrive together in harmony. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration and support of Kitasetara Foundation, Fablyme, Fitness Work, Ladang Lima, ForDive Perfume, Skinda, and Nawaya Beauty Clinic, all united in their commitment to promoting equality and empowerment through inclusive activities.