In the lives of indigenous communities in Indonesia, indigenous women play a very important central role. They preserve nature and ensure the sustainability of their community. However, baseline data conducted by KEMITRAAN in 2022 reveals that indigenous women still face major challenges. For example, minimal involvement in traditional communities and male dominance in decision making.
Indigenous peoples are very dependent on natural resources. Indigenous women have a special role as guardians of traditional knowledge obtained from their ancestors. However, gender inequality makes indigenous women marginalized in the development process. Thus, they are vulnerable to gender-based violence and the double impacts of climate issues.
KEMITRAAN, as the implementing partner of the Australia-Indonesia KEMITRAAN Towards an Inclusive Society program, has attempted to overcome this inequality. By collecting data and documenting indigenous knowledge, KEMITRAAN seeks to build awareness among indigenous communities. To use indigenous knowledge as a force in supporting the social and economic resilience of communities.
Widya Anggraini, KEMITRAAN Project Manager, stated that this challenge was the main focus of their program. KEMITRAAN participated in the Paris Peace Forum 2023 in France to share initiatives. Also learn with practitioners from all over the world about social issues, the environment, climate change and gender issues.
"Seeing these challenges, KEMITRAAN together with 10 local partners carried out data collection and documentation of indigenous knowledge. Later, it will support research and studies for evidence-based policies, as well as build awareness among indigenous communities. "This traditional knowledge is a strength, both in supporting the social and economic resilience of the community." said Widya Anggraini.
For example, in Toro Village, Sigi, Central Sulawesi, traditional women have a role in planning agricultural work and handling conflicts in the village. “We also organize work on managing paddy fields and fields. "Like, determining when is the right time to harvest," said a traditional woman in Toro Village, Rukmini.
In Meurumba Village, East Sumba Regency, one of the traditional women's leaders, Rambu Bombu, emphasized that development is not only limited to providing infrastructure, but also includes meeting detailed needs such as seeds and agricultural tools.
"We felt a change in them when they were given space and opportunities, especially involvement in discussion forums and policy making. Previously, every village development meeting decision only accommodated infrastructure matters, now there is support for seeds and agricultural equipment. "Such as grass cutting machines and water pumping machines for agricultural and village economic activities," explained Rambu.
These two examples show that providing equal space for indigenous women can guarantee a sense of security. Also maximizing their role as guardians of indigenous knowledge in natural resource management.
Through participation in the Paris Peace Forum 2023, KEMITRAAN hopes to open a wider network to raise the issue of indigenous women. Especially in overcoming the challenge of the food crisis. With the belief that maintaining traditional knowledge does not only involve tradition, but also ensures the sustainability of life now and in the future.
