Stories from Kelukup Village, Bemalom Activities with Tribe Children in Jambi

The “Bemalom di Kampung Kelukup” Fellowship has succeeded in presenting unforgettable stories for the participants who interacted for the first time with the Indigenous Tribe of Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Jambi Province. Taking place in Dwi Karya Bhakti Village, Pelepat District, Bungo Regency, this activity is a combination of in-depth understanding of the customs and culture of the Anak Dalam Tribe as well as exploring changes in their lifestyle amidst changing times.

This activity, which will take place from 16 - 17 August 2023, is in collaboration with Indonesian Photo Reporters (PFI) Jambi through support from the Partnership Partnership. Even though it was the first time this was being carried out, the fellowship activity attracted quite the attention of youth groups in Jambi City. Of the applicants, only five people were selected who had the opportunity to take part in the Bemalom activities. One of them is Tri Trinaldi, a student majoring in Forestry from Muhammadiyah University, Jambi. To the Pundi Sumatra team, he was enthusiastic about sharing his unique experience while participating in this activity.

As a seventh semester student, interacting with outside society and trying lots of new things is an obligation that must be tried. According to him, studying does not limit students from exploring new worlds.

"This is the first time I have interacted with the Anak Dalam Tribe," he said enthusiastically.

During the journey from Jambi City, Trinaldi and the other participants had the same opinion: the Anak Dalam tribe definitely looked like people living in the forest with many limitations. However, they immediately dismissed this assumption when the car they were traveling in entered a residential area in a village. Continue straight along the road that the residents are taking, their journey will arrive at the Anak Dalam Tribe settlement in Dwi Karya Bakti Village.

"The blue poles on the left and right sides of the road there are a signal that all our first expectations about them have changed," said Tri, pointing towards the pole in question. Rising slightly, they could see a row of houses made of faded blue wood and tin roofs. There are no more stories about living in the forest. These traditional groups have lived in their respective homes. They also enjoy electricity and internet signals. Instead of leaving the forest, occasionally the SAD community will stay in Sudung, which is not far from the residential area, to hunt and look for forest products.

"This activity of spending the night with the customs was very interesting. I gained a lot of knowledge and knowledge about the customs and culture of the Anak Dalam Tribe, and saw the amount of creativity and talent possessed by friends from the SAD Community," he said.

During the program, Trinaldi was involved in various activities, from catching fish or what is called ngakop ikan to watching the process of making bracelets typical of the SAD community. However, what is most striking is the creativity in making mats from tassel leaves by community members.

Trinaldi also revealed that one of the most interesting moments was when he was able to witness the traditional SAD dance called "Badeti Dance." This dance is a form of prayer to the Creator which is intended for certain situations. Therefore, this dance is divided into 3 groups, namely the Badeti Mandi Anak Dance, the Badeti Wedding Dance, and the Badeti Offering Dance. Trinaldi noted that this dance has a deep meaning, such as asking for help and protection from God as well as expressing gratitude to guests who come to the SAD community.

Apart from understanding the culture and customs of the Anak Dalam Tribe, this activity also provides insight into the increasingly rapid digital developments among indigenous communities. Trinaldi observed that several members of the SAD community, especially in Dwi Karya Bhakti Village, are digitally literate and follow current digital trends. They use smartphones, other electronic devices, and electric bicycles to go to school. Apart from that, they also use smartphones and social media to market the MSME products they produce.

One of the SMEs managed by the SAD community is Mina Hasop Eluk, which produces high quality smoked fish. Types of fish processed include catfish and catfish. This program is the result of collaboration between Pundi Sumatra, the Partnership and BAZNAS. Trinaldi emphasized that the head of Mina Hasop Eluk management is Juliana, a girl from the Anak Dalam Tribe community who is currently studying at the Muhammadiyah University of Jambi, in the same Forestry study program as him.

This fellowship activity not only provides valuable experience, but also raises awareness of the importance of preserving culture and the environment amidst rapid changes in times. It is hoped that this spirit of sharing experiences can trigger further collaboration between young groups and indigenous communities to preserve and respect valuable cultural heritage.