Description

The loss of the forest is not a simple matter for a community that, for generations, has depended entirely on nature for its very lifeblood. As the forest gives way to expanses of plantations and transmigration settlements, the SAD community was forced to leap across the timeline of civilisation without any sufficient preparation of what to face. Through this book, we aim to reveal the stories, field notes and reflections on lessons that have been learnt from the mentoring process of the SAD community, particularly along the central Trans-Sumatra highway in Sarolangun and Bungo Regency. This book attempts to honestly explore how these life-altering compromises unfolded; from their longing for the tranquillity of the forests of the past, to their unease in facing the money-based market economy, and their struggle to survive in government-established settlements. More than just field notes, the information of this book summarises the philosophy behind the “SUDUNG” program approach that has been implemented by SSS Pundi Sumatra since 2012. Through a ‘live-in’ program that was designed to break down barriers of mistrust, we have integrated GEDSI (Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion) values as our core foundation. The intervention was not limited only to the macro-level social inclusion of the community, but also addressed micro-level aspects: ensuring the protection of women’s and children’s rights, providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities, and tackling domestic challenges such as child marriage, which often limits the development of the younger generation. Through these works, including the establishment of the Anak Dalam Youth Movement or Gerakan Pemuda Anak Dalam (GPAD), we aim to demonstrate that true empowerment must be inclusive and emerge from within the community itself.