Dialogue Towards Synergizing Multisector Collaboration to Enhance Indigenous Suku Anak Dalam Livelihood
In Pamenang Selatan, Merangin District-Jambi, on January 3rd, 2024, DEEP En-Gender held an important meeting to encourage teamwork between different sectors. These included leaders from the Indigenous Suku Anak Dalam (SAD), represented by five Tumenggung (SAD leader), six Village Chiefs, and representatives from the government sectors of Agriculture, Forestry, Health, Social Services, Community Empowerment, and Education. Local community members also joined, creating a strong and diverse group. This meeting went beyond formal talks and was a real effort to work together as a group. The main goal was clear: to coordinate actions in different areas, focusing on important issues like food security and restoring the environment. It was more than just following rules; it showed a shared promise to care for the community and the environment. The talks were lively and full of energy, with the Tumenggung, Chiefs, and ministry officials sharing ideas actively. They discussed both problems and opportunities, showing a strong and meaningful exchange. Each person’s voice was important, representing the hopes of the community and the need to care for the environment.
This teamwork led to a clear action plan: starting a pilot project. The plan focused on planting fruit trees in carefully chosen villages where the Indigenous SAD lived. This project was more than just farming; it stood for growth, sustainability, and working together.
The decision-making process was active, like planting a seed in the soil of Pamenang Selatan. This seed was meant to grow into real, positive change. Choosing the pilot project was not only a smart step but also a strong statement of the goal to improve the land and people’s lives.
DEEP En-Gender, leading this important project, did not stop there. With the support of many groups, the organization showed its strong commitment to helping the Indigenous SAD in a lasting way. This promise was not short-term but a long-term effort to build community strength, share knowledge, and support independence.
Date: January 3, 2024