The loss of the forest for the Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Jambi is not merely the loss of trees or food sources. The forest is their home, their living space, and part of their identity. As the forest begins to transform into monoculture plantations, the SAD's way of life shifts from hunting and gathering to a market-driven society, from close communion with nature to facing social changes that are not always of their choosing. 

The loss of their living space is often recounted by experts, activists, journalists, academics, government officials and researchers. However, it is rare to hear directly from the people themselves. Therefore, the changes they experience need to be permanently documented, so that they become not only historical records, but also a means of advocacy to fight for their rights.

For the first time, young SAD cadres were encouraged to write as a way of telling their stories about the shrinking forest, the loss they still feel, and their efforts to maintain their identity in a rapidly changing world. 

The book Yang Berubah Setelah Rimba Tiada (What Changed After the Forest Disappeared) is the fruit of this long process. Some of the writings are the thoughts of SAD cadres, most of whom were writing about their life experiences for the first time. They were simply asked to tell their stories as they were. 

Writing as a Way of Telling Stories about Change

They did not undertake this writing process alone. Pundi Sumatra provided intensive guidance, creating a learning space through a Creative Writing Workshop held in June 2025. For two full days, cadres from the Anak Dalam tribe (SAD) from Sarolangun and Bungo districts learned to string words together, turn experiences into stories, and channel their voices through writing.

Through the support of the ESTUNGKARA Programme, Pundi Sumatra is committed to presenting stories of change not from an outsider's perspective, but directly from the perspective of the subjects who have been assisted. Therefore, in addition to SAD cadres, field facilitators are also asked to write reflections on their experiences assisting communities—notes that enrich the content of the book with dual perspectives: from within the community and from the assistants.

In the training, Pundi Sumatra presented Jhoni Imron as trainer and editor. Jhoni and the Pundi Sumatra communications team then finalised the manuscripts into a complete anthology: ‘Yang Berubah Setelah Rimba Tiada’ (What Changed After the Forest Disappeared).

‘At first, we were hesitant to write, afraid of making mistakes. We didn't know what to write, and no one would read it,’ said Siska when Ulvi, the field facilitator, invited her to participate in a writing training in Jambi. The facilitators continued to provide guidance and motivation to the cadres who would be involved in contributing to the book.

‘In my opinion, writing is the culmination of all the training we provide to SAD cadres. After two years of learning to communicate and express their opinions, we challenge them to try writing down their thoughts,’ said Annisa Komunikasi Pundi Sumatra. 

Book Discussion with One Hundred Audience Members 

After undergoing a process of writing, mentoring, and editing, the book Yang Berubah Setelah Rimba Tiada (What Has Changed After the Forest is Gone) is now complete. This anthology has been printed and is ready to reach readers: communities, students, academics, and policy makers as a means of learning and advocacy. 

The launch and book discussion took place in Hall 1 of Muhammadiyah University Jambi on 6 September 2025. More than 100 participants attended to listen to the author, who comes from the SAD community. The discussion continued with a Book Review from Various Perspectives session featuring Mahendra Taher (Chair of the Pundi Sumatra Management Board), Yael Stefani (Partnership Partnership), Citra Rahmatia (Muhammadiyah University of Jambi), and Budi Setiawan (Initiator of the SAD Empowerment Forum). From each speaker, participants gained diverse perspectives: from reflections on experiences supporting indigenous communities, the academic value of local knowledge, to the importance of advocacy based on community narratives.

The majority of participants, who were students, showed great enthusiasm. They were interested in how the lifestyle of the Anak Dalam tribe is slowly fading amid the rapid changes of the times, and were inspired by the courage of the young SAD writers who, for the first time, brought their stories to the public.

‘Their writing is very touching, like reading easy-to-understand daily notes,’ said Dorel, one of the invited guests.

Read more: Transformation Suku Anak Dalam (SAD)