An indigenous people’s forum serves as a platform for local communities to share their aspirations, needs, and challenges, particularly regarding land rights, education, health, and the economy. Astra Agro recognizes the significance of creating a discussion space that aids in the survival and cultural development of indigenous peoples through the establishment of an inclusive and sustainable dialogue forum.
Currently, the indigenous community discussion forum facility is being implemented by the company to empower the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD), commonly known as Orang Rimba, in Jambi. In the third quarter of 2024, the Suku Anak Dalam Social Development Partnership Forum (FKPS-SAD) convened a Temenggung meeting, which involved the Ketemenggungan Orang Rimba. The attendees included Temenggung Nggrip, Temenggung Nangkus, Temenggung Afrizal, Temenggung Bepayung, Temenggung Bebayang, Temenggung Malayau Tua, and Temenggung Malino, along with Depati, Mangku, Menti, Debalang Batin, and Tengganai. The forum focused on social development discussions and the strengthening of Orang Rimba customary law.
The preservation of tribal law is as important as the Orang Rimba community faces social changes due to external influences and cultural acculturation.
The principle of ‘Adat Lamo Pusako Usang,’ which means that adat (tribal law) has not changed since ancient times, was the main topic of discussion.
The Orang Rimba community forum discussed general health problems of children in the Meriau group, such as infections, respiratory problems, diarrhoea and flu. They assessed that the curative treatment assistance provided had successfully benefited 14 children from the group.
Collaboration between the Company’s health agents and local health centres played a key role in quickly addressing and managing health complaints and ensuring timely and accurate treatment. In addition to treatment, the programme also emphasised raising awareness of sanitation and nutrition within the Orang Rimba community.
In addition to discussions on tribal law and principles, the community discussion forum also discussed topics around economic empowerment for Orang Rimba groups. One of the economic empowerment programmes is manifested in the development of the Berkah Koperasi Berkah Rimba Bukit Duabelas cooperative as an economic platform for Orang Rimba in the TNBD (Bukit Dua Belas National Park) area to manage forest products such as rubber, rattan, resin and jernang. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company and Temenggung concentrated on strengthening the institutional framework of the cooperative’s institutional framework.
This process was implemented through several extension agendas with one of the main topics discussed being the division of roles for Temenggung within the cooperative’s organisational structure. This step is particularly important as the cooperative serves as the umbrella organisation for the Orang Rimba in the seven ketemenggungan or Leaderships in SAD community.
The meeting ended with a commitment to uphold and implement the Lamo Pusako Usang Customary Law in accordance with its original tradition.
The existence of indigenous peoples’ forums is a vital part of the process of empowering indigenous peoples carried out by Astra Agro. Through open and participatory dialogue, the company can better understand the needs and aspirations of the community, so that the empowerment programmes run become more targeted and sustainable. In addition, the forum also helps build trust and harmonious collaboration between the two parties, creating a broader positive impact on social and economic growth.
