By: Haryanto, KKI Warsi
Minar never imagined that she, a housewife from the Talang Mamak indigenous community, would stand on an outdoor stage, speaking up for women's rights. She is a farmer, a mother of four, and a loyal wife who has accompanied her husband through the ups and downs of a traditional life steeped in traditional values. However, now, Minar is also known as an inspiring woman representing the voices of Talang Mamak indigenous women in public discussions.
Minar's journey of change began when she became active in the Women Farmers Group (KWT). Rimpahan Palorien Simarantihan, a forum that brings together Talang Mamak women in agricultural and family economic activities. From there, she began participating in women's class discussions facilitated by the Indonesian Conservation Community (KKI) Warsi and KEMITRAAN through the Estungkara Program, a program that promotes inclusive development by strengthening the role of indigenous women.
In each discussion session, Minar slowly gained the courage to speak up. Initially, she only expressed small opinions. However, as her courage grew, Minar's potential began to emerge. The KKI Warsi team then opened up more opportunities for Minar to participate. She was involved in public dialogues, the Development Planning Consultation (Musrenbang) forum, and even served as a resource person in broader discussion forums.
One of the pivotal moments in Minar's journey was when she delivered a public speech at the 16 Days of Anti-Violence Against Women (HAKTP) campaign in the courtyard of the Jambi Governor's Office. Standing in public with the voices of indigenous women was a significant step, but Minar did it with courage.
Not only that, at the commemoration of International Women's Day, Minar was appointed as a resource person in talk show themed "Women and Food". This forum was held in hybrid and brought her together with representatives from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Although initially nervous due to her unfamiliarity with technology and formal forums, especially being on a panel with national speakers, Minar was still able to convey her thoughts well, particularly on how indigenous women contribute to food security through farming practices, local food processing, and maintaining the sustainability of natural resources.
That experience became a stepping stone for Minar. In commemoration of Kartini Day, he returned as a resource person at the event. Talk show "Voices from the Footprint." This time, she was more confident. Paired with fellow indigenous women and facilitated by community facilitators who also served as resource persons, Minar spoke clearly, firmly, and passionately. She shared her experiences as an indigenous woman who daily guards the kitchen, fields, and community values that safeguard the food sovereignty of the Talang Mamak indigenous community.
Participation after participation has made Minar grow. Now, she has not only learned to be more confident in speaking, but has also begun to encourage other Talang Mamak women to get involved, learn together, and voice their aspirations. Minar realizes that indigenous women's power extends beyond the home or the fields; they can also be present in decision-making spaces and bring about change in their communities.
Today, Minar is a symbol of change. She is an inspiring female cadre who has journeyed from the village to public discussion spaces. From a voice that was once barely heard, Minar has now become a source of inspiration for other indigenous women. Minar is a symbol that demonstrates that courage, participation, and voice from the grassroots are crucial for creating just and inclusive development.
