Pundi Sumatra through the ESTUNGKARA program has made efforts to empower the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Bungo Regency and Sarolangun Regency. Although it has entered its third year of empowerment, the location in Bungo Regency has actually received assistance from Pundi Sumatra for a long time. As a result, quite a lot of changes have been achieved by the SAD community in Dwi Karya Bakti Village, Pelepat District, Bungo Regency.
The community in the village is expected to be a pilot project for other mentoring locations. Given that the empowerment that has been carried out for almost ten years has shown significant changes. These changes include the development of various alternative economies, the formation of several business groups, and community independence in accessing basic services independently. Support and attention from various parties are also increasing, which is reflected in stronger collaboration in empowering SAD.
ESTUNGKARA Program supported by Partnership Partnership providing an opportunity for Pundi Sumatra to undertake new initiatives. For example, the establishment of a special integrated health post facilitated together with Jambi University and the local government. This initiative caught the attention of the team Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the INKLUSI secretariat team, which carried out monitoring and program evaluation (monev) in the areas assisted by Pundi Sumatra.
The monitoring and evaluation visit took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Bappeda of Bungo Regency and Dwi Karya Bakti Village. The Head of Bappeda of Bungo Regency, H. Deddy Irawan, SE, MM, received the team monitoring and evaluation in his office. In the meeting, he expressed his hope that this empowerment program can continue. Given the positive impact that has been felt in improving the welfare of the SAD community and supporting the improvement of regional performance indicators. Especially in terms of the number of SADs that have been successfully empowered.
After the audience, the implementation of monitoring and evaluation was continued with a meeting with stakeholders (stakeholders) in the Orchid Room of Bappeda Bungo Regency. The meeting was led by Dr. Auri Adham Putro, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Economic Division of Bappeda. There were also several other officials, including Iman Budisetiawan, S.Hut., MAP (Secretary of Bappeda), Dr. Yunardi, S.KM., M.Kes (Middle Expert Planner of Bappeda), and Dr. Aminah, S.Sos., MM (Junior Expert Planner). The monitoring and evaluation were also attended by several Heads or Representatives of OPDs and stakeholders, such as Quswen Ikmal, S.Pi., MM (Head of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Service), Drs. Toto Tohirudin (Head of the Population and Civil Registration Service), Mufazoh, S.Kep., Ners (Head of Public Health at the Health Service), Henywati, S.IP (Head of Tourism at the Youth, Sports and Tourism Service), and Dr. Syafrialdi, S.Pi., M.Si (Muara Bungo University).
In this meeting, several representatives of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) expressed their opinion not to force the SAD community to live a modern life and abandon their culture. While the opinions of some other participants were different. That by not accompanying and helping them adapt to the changes that are occurring, this is actually a form of neglect and indifference. The SAD community is currently also experiencing the onslaught of modernization which, ready or not, is already present in their midst.
"We must maintain their culture so that it remains sustainable. Therefore, empowerment programs must ensure that local culture or wisdom is not lost. It must also be integrated with empowerment programs," said Dr. Auri Adham Putro, Head of Economics, Bappeda Bungo. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation with Pundi Sumatra, especially to make this program a regional innovation. The meeting participants also hoped that SAD empowerment activities could be continued and expanded.
As the empowerment program progresses, it is clear that the initiatives carried out by Pundi Sumatra have had a positive impact on the SAD community. One significant change is the formation of alternative business and economic groups that provide a more stable livelihood for the community. In addition, the community has also become more independent in accessing basic services such as education and health.
The success in Dwi Karya Bakti Village provides new hope for other mentoring locations. With support from various parties, including universities and local governments, Pundi Sumatra can continue to develop and expand this empowerment program. The special Posyandu that was formed is a very good first step, and it is hoped that it can continue with other innovative programs that are able to answer the needs and challenges of the SAD community.
Moving forward, close collaboration between Pundi Sumatra, local governments, and other stakeholders is essential to ensure the sustainability of this empowerment program. With strong support and commitment, it is hoped that the SAD community can continue to grow and adapt to changing times without losing their valuable cultural identity. The ESTUNGKARA program is a real example of how empowerment efforts can bring positive change to indigenous communities, while preserving local culture.
