KEMITRAAN as a partner of the INCLUSION program through the Estungkara program aims to encourage the fulfillment of citizenship rights for indigenous groups, especially women, children and people with disabilities. Various intervention strategies will be implemented to promote gender equality and justice through economic improvement, capacity strengthening and critical education so that indigenous women are equal to men in society.
One of the big activities this year which was held on 24-26 August 2023 was Inclusion Day which involved the government, CSOs and indigenous communities. Sulawesi Community Foundation (SCF), as one of the implementing partners of the Estungkara program, is implementing Inclusion Day in Bonto Somba and Bonto Manurung Villages, Maros Regency. In these two areas, SCF is also encouraging the formation of women farming groups as an effort to encourage the independence of indigenous women in the use of natural resources. This will then become one of the topics in sharing good practice learning in the Inclusion Day series.
"Inclusion Day is a celebration of success to showcase several good practices and success stories from the Estungkara program involving indigenous communities to increase the perspective of gender justice and the involvement of marginalized groups in natural resource management," Dewi Rizki, KEMITRAAN Program Director.
In organizing Inclusion Day, KEMITRAAN and SCF also involved the Maros Regency Government in the preparations. The Regent of Maros, HAS Chaidir Syam, is very supportive of organizing this event. This is because he and his staff are also committed to creating an inclusive village in their region. An inclusive village is a concrete manifestation of the government's presence in providing a safe and equal space for all community members.
"To realize an inclusive village means there is a government commitment to improve data for both disabled residents and vulnerable groups, then how to fulfill basic rights, aspects of participation in the formation of village policies and planning, inclusive village regulations, provision of accessibility and public facilities," said Mr. Chaidir Syam in his statement.
The commitment of the Maros Regency Government is in line with the spirit carried out in holding the 2023 Inclusion Day event. A series of Inclusion Day activities include Cross Learning from Sikola Inklusi Day which highlights good practices from the Cindakko, Bara and Tanete Bulu indigenous communities. Apart from that, there is also a gallery of customs and basic services from the Maros Regency Regional Government and the Maros Regency POKJA working group to local residents.
Apart from that, there was also a Traditional Talk Show featuring speakers from various sectors to discuss good practices, sustainable spirit, and strengthening the future of indigenous communities and closed with the evening of Inclusion Day by holding cultural performances of the Bara, Cindakko and Tanete Bulu indigenous communities through art performances, music, dance, folk games. Inclusion Day was also attended by the PDTT Village Ministry, the Maros Regency Government, representatives of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), INKLUSI, 10 CSO partners implementing the Estungkara program in 7 provinces, and also the general public.
"Inclusion Day is held to provide a learning space between CSOs and communities regarding traditions, customs, as well as a space for collaboration with the Maros Regency Regional Government in providing public services, and what is also important is to carry out social inclusion campaigns," said Yasir Sani, Program Manager Estungkara KEMITRAAN.
This year, Inclusion Day has the theme "Making Indonesia a Home for All". This theme is in accordance with the spirit of the District Government. Maros in providing a safe and inclusive space for community members, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized, such as indigenous communities. It is hoped that this event will not only be held as a ceremonial celebration, but will further become a milestone in the spirit of realizing real inclusivity in society.
"We, residents of Tanete Bulu Village, are happy and proud that our area is the location for this Inclusion Day celebration. "This is also an encouragement for us to progress further and continue to learn, especially how we utilize the resources we currently have," said Ayu Andira, Chair of KWT Pangkalaeng and a resident of Tanete Bulu Village, Maros, South Sulawesi.
