A happy smile is clearly visible on the face of Mak Taesah, a Talang Mamak traditional woman who lives in Simarantihan Hamlet, Suo-Suo Village, Sumay District, Tebo Regency. The existence of him and his colleagues in this hamlet holds big dreams, which are now being realized through the presence of the Acting Regent of Tebo, Aspan, and a group of other Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD).
With a heart full of warmth, the wife of the Acting Regent of Tebo, Armayanti, tightly held the hands of Mak Taesah and other residents of Talang Mamak. The presence of these officials was like a gift for them, an opportunity to express hope for a better future. With only 52 families or 203 people, the Talang Mamak group still lives on the outskirts, almost untouched by the development developing around it.
After the construction of social housing several years ago, Simarantihan Hamlet no longer has adequate infrastructure. "We hope that there will be recognition of areas of livelihood and development for us, including road access, schools and health facilities," said Fahmi, the Talang Mamak Simarantihan Traditional Leader. The request for road access is very important, considering that previously they had to walk for 4 hours through muddy roads to reach their settlement.
The Acting Regent's group even had to use off-road cars and walk to reach Simarantihan. This difficulty not only hinders mobility, but also hinders the education of Talang Mamak children.
Primary schools are located far away with limited facilities and infrastructure making educational travel a challenge. "It is difficult for us to pay boarding and school fees for our children in the village center, so many of these children do not continue their education," added Fahmi.
Education is the key to opening the door to a brighter future for Talang Mamak. They realize the importance of education for their survival, but economic difficulties and difficult access are the main obstacles. Robert Aritonang, Manager of the Indonesian Conservation Community (KKI) Warsi Program, highlighted the need for inclusive development for indigenous communities such as Talang Mamak. "Inclusive development must hold values, no one person must be forgotten, including the residents of Talang Mamak who, even though they are remote, are still citizens who have the right to development," he said.
The Talang Mamak tribe, as agricultural farmers, depend on forest products such as jengkol, durian, rattan and jernang for their living. However, this result is not enough to support them because of high transportation costs. The poor economic conditions have resulted in this tribe being categorized as very worrying. Therefore, KKI Warsi bridges communication between Talang Mamak residents and the government, trying to voice their needs.
"It is important to have inclusive development for marginalized indigenous communities such as Talang Mamak," stressed Robert Aritonang when accompanying the Regent's visit to Simarantihan. He explained that the condition of the Talang Mamak tribe was the result of accumulated social problems and economic vulnerability. According to Robert, the presence of the Acting Regent of Aspan is a great hope for them. "We are grateful for the Regent's visit here, so that in the future there will be real action to reach the Talang Mamak tribe with the development they need," said Robert.
The Acting Regent of Aspan, sincerely, promised to immediately help the Talang Mamak tribe overcome their life problems by providing development. Although aware of the difficulties of carrying out development in forest areas, where Talang Mamak lives, he expressed his support for the necessary policy breakthroughs. “So there needs to be a policy breakthrough for that. What policy? "It's not our job, but we support this for Talang Mamak's livelihood," said Aspan.
On this occasion, the Acting Regent of Aspan not only made promises, but also provided a number of assistance to the most vulnerable and disabled groups. Food packages, sewing machines, plant seeds and school aid were handed over as a sign of concern. He also took the time to visit the home of one of the disabled community members, Indra, who had previously attended skills training at the Budi Perkasa Social Rehabilitation Center in Palembang.
As a concrete step, Acting Regent Tebo Aspan is committed to following up on the request of the Talang Mamak Tribe. For requests that fall within the Regent's jurisdiction, efforts will be made in the near future. In the next two days, the Acting Regent of Tebo will invite stakeholders in Talang Mamak and resident representatives to discuss the follow-up to this visit. Meanwhile, requests that require Ministry approval will be discussed at a higher level.
The story of Talang Mamak and their hopes for equitable and inclusive development creates an aura of optimism in the middle of the forest which is a silent witness to their struggle. With the joint struggle between the government and citizens, it is hoped that Talang Mamak can look to the future with brightness, full of hope and equal prosperity.
