By: Rakhmat Nur Hakim, PARTNERSHIP
Saturday (19/4/2025) morning, the PGRI Sports Hall in Sindanglaya Village, Sobang District, Lebak Regency, Banten witnessed history for the young people of Kasepuhan. The first film they made was finally premiered there, witnessed by figures and the Kasepuhan indigenous community. The film entitled "Forest, Former, and the Way Home" tells the story of the dynamics of the lives of the Kasepuhan indigenous community.
The various dynamics experienced by indigenous communities are clearly shown in the film. In the first segment, the story is about Dayat, a young man from Kasepuhan who must choose to return to his village to take care of his sick father while maintaining the continuity of culture. As the eldest son in a traditional Kasepuhan village, Dayat must replace his father's duties in taking care of the needs of Imah Gede, a large traditional house that is the center of village life, ahead of the Seren Tahun event (a large traditional party as an expression of gratitude for the harvest).
The conflict begins. Dayat faces a dilemma because he must choose between maintaining the continuity of tradition or staying close to his lover in the city. This story is a real picture for young people in the Kasepuhan indigenous community.
Representative of the Lebak Customary Area Consolidation and Advocacy Forum (Kawal) Cecep Sanusi said the film “Hutan, Mantan, dan Jalan Pulang” truly reflects the life of the Kasepuhan indigenous community. The dilemma experienced by Dayat is also experienced by other young people of the Kasepuhan indigenous community. Cecep said that many young people are in a dilemma because they have to choose to work in the city or stay in the village to maintain the sustainability of customs and culture.
"This shows some of the problems faced by the Kasepuhan indigenous community, especially the young people. Many of them wonder where to go after graduating from school. Whether to leave or stay in the village. Some leave but some also return," said Cecep.
He hopes that this film can be a medium for advocacy for indigenous peoples in fighting for their rights such as the right to education, health facilities, and a decent living. In addition, Cecep also hopes that this film can educate the public about the problems of life experienced by indigenous peoples, especially the Kasepuhan indigenous people.
"Hopefully this film will be watched by more people in the future," said Cecep.
For your information, the film “Forest, Former, and the Way Home” is the result of a workshop held by KEMITRAAN through the Estungkara Program. The Kawal Forum, which consists of young men and women from the Kasepuhan indigenous community, became the workshop.
Therefore, Communication Officer of Estungkara Program KEMITRAAN Yael Stefani said that the process of making this film is also a medium for increasing the capacity of indigenous peoples, especially in the fields of arts and culture. Through the film, KEMITRAAN wants to show that indigenous peoples have abilities in the fields of arts and culture, especially in filmmaking. He also hopes that this film will be a medium for the campaign for the ratification of the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU).
"We hope this film will be a stepping stone to increase public awareness for everyone. Especially now that KEMITRAAN has entered the Indigenous Peoples Bill coalition. We hope this film can be a big campaign media," said Yael.
