Indigenous communities who are famous for their local wisdom and cultural traditions often feel marginalized. They have rich traditions, but unfortunately, they are often marginalized in broader social and economic dynamics. One of them is the indigenous community of Anak Dalam Tribe (SAD). The Jambi Regional Government (PEMDA), realizes the importance of inclusion and justice. Decided to take an active role in encouraging the participation of the Anak Dalam Tribe indigenous community.
The Jambi Regional Government does not only see the indigenous people of the Anak Dalam tribe as a group that needs protection. But as partners who have a valuable contribution to building a more just and sustainable society. The first step taken was to involve representatives of the Anak Dalam Tribe indigenous community in the decision-making process at the local level. They are given a place in deliberation forums to express their views and aspirations.
"Yesterday, when we wanted to hold a Musrenbang at the district level, we invited all regions to bring in their representatives. Both from women, children and people with disabilities. "So that we can find out what their needs are," explained Dewi Rejeki, Head of Research and Development at the Bungo Regency Bappeda. In an inclusion chat event held by KEMITRAAN, Thursday, November 2 2023.
Dewi explained that there are five contents of the Bungo Regency Regional Government to realize the value of inclusion, especially for marginalized groups. Namely, increasing regional infrastructure development that encourages quality economic growth. Improving the quality of human resources through education and health services.
Then, improving good governance that is oriented towards public services. Community empowerment through local wisdom and religious values. As well as strengthening village autonomy and developing a people's economy based on the agricultural, plantation and community economic institutions sectors.
"In our fifth vision, this is actually part of the role of the Bungo Regency Regional Government to realize inclusive development," he added.
Apart from that, the Regional Government also provides access to several basic services, especially for those who still live in remote areas. Such as access to education, health and population administration services. The local government listens to the needs of the community, especially the indigenous people of the Anak Dalam tribe. Thus, development policies can cover important aspects for the survival and sustainability of the culture of indigenous tribal communities. This process is not just a formality, but truly respects the local knowledge and life experiences of indigenous peoples.
To increase tribal community children's access to education, many children can go to school and even go to college. One of them is named Yulia, who is currently studying forestry, said Dewi. Not only that, some even entered police school and are currently working at the Plepat District Police.
The Bungo Regional Government also plays an active role in protecting land rights. It is also a vital natural resource for the sustainability of indigenous communities in the Anak Dalam tribe and other areas. Dewi said that the Regional Government had provided around 9.8 hectares of land and some of the settlements had already been established. “However, not everything has been legalized yet. "So many people are confiscated by other communities and this is a big task and the regulations will continue to be improved," he added.
The importance of inclusion is also reflected in the economic policies implemented by local governments. The regional government provides financial and technical support to local economic businesses owned and operated by the Anak Dalam tribe.
One of them is assistance from pools established by the regional government. The aim is to establish a fish farm so that it can be processed and sold for community income, said Dewi. It is hoped that this will be the forerunner of independence for tribal children in a people-based economic independence. "There is food and fish seed assistance and there are fisheries instructors so there is guidance on how to raise livestock well," added Dewi.
Meanwhile, regarding access to health services, the local government has carried out a lot of outreach and collaborated with the health service. Also, interns from Jambi University's medical department to carry out examinations and education. One of them is about how to maintain health and the environment and prevent infectious diseases.
"We have also established several posyandu in each area where cadres from the community themselves fill them. So that health services can be more easily achieved. It also raises the standard of health and a better life for those who are illiterate."
Dewi said that currently the main focus of the regional government is on all indigenous tribal communities in gaining access to population services. According to him, when people have fulfilled their population administration, they can easily get other welfare services. Such as a health Social Security Administering Agency (BPJS) card.
“So we help people in the process of making KTPs. So when they already have an ID card, we will then help them to make another health card. "The point is, we will continue to guard every community that has not received basic service rights," he added.
Of all the missions to realize inclusive development, Dewi said that there were several things that became obstacles for local governments. Namely, the different characters of each indigenous community. Dewi admits that each community has its own habits, customs and traditions so they cannot be the same.
Currently, the regional government is trying to map out the needs of each region. By collaborating with Pundi Sumatra, regional governments can easily find out the basic needs of each community in their respective regions. "Because Pundi Sumatra has many cadres who provide bases and support there, so with them the regional government builds communication,"
Through this series of concrete policies and actions, the regional government has succeeded in creating an environment that supports the inclusion of indigenous tribal communities. This initiative has not only resulted in positive change. But it also strengthens cultural diversity which is a common wealth for the people of the area. In this case, the role of local government is not only as a regulator, but also as a facilitator of sustainable and inclusive development.
"This all happened thanks to cooperation and other partners from the beginning of 2012. Until we returned with a new program in June 2022, namely, the estungkara program. "The hope is that this will not just be a program but must continue and be independent," concluded Dewi.
