JAMBI (31 March 2022) - There was an interesting fact during the visit of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini to the Remote Indigenous Community (KAT) on the Sungai Terap, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province, some time ago. Among the officials, guests, invitees and residents of KAT, two young members of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) were also present.      

 

Both Polri members looked unobtrusive with full police uniforms. It turned out that both of them were from Suku Anak Dalam (SAD). They were Police 2nd Brigadier (Bripda) Jeni Adi Saputra, and Bripda Sarif Santoso. These two young people claimed to be registered as members of the Jambi Regional Police's Sabhara unit.

 

“After undergoing education, we were placed in the Jambi Regional Police's Sabhara unit. We are proud and will provide the best service,” said Jeni Adi Saputra recently.

 

Both Jeni and Sarif stated that they had dreamed of becoming members of the Polri or The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) since they were in elementary school. Their origin does not become a barrier, yet increases their motivation to accomplish achievements.

 

Jeni Adi Saputra is from SAD in the Pamenang area, Merangin Regency, while Sarif Santoso is from SAD of Karya Bakti Village, Pelepat, Muara Bungo Regency. There are three residents of SAD who are registered as members of Polri in their batch.

 

Another one is Perbal Tampung, an SAD resident from Bukit Dua Belas, Air Hitam, Sarolangun Regency. However, Perbal Tampung was not present at the event. The three of them have passed as Polri members for the academic year 2021, after following several tests together with 585 other participants.


Both Jeni and Sarif expressed the same view that being Polri members could raise the dignity of their family and the SAD in general. “Of course, this is the pride of our family, where we come from, and our contribution to the nation. In addition, with the profession as Polri members, we want to be an example for my brothers in the SAD so that they can learn more, and improve their mindset to level up their lives," said Sarif.


They also think that all children of the nation have the same opportunity to develop, including the SAD children. It is also possible to advance and accomplish achievements, on a par with other nation's children. “We want SAD children not to be underestimated. They must be sure that they can catch up with those who have leveled up their lives,” he said.

 

Jeni and Sarif's views are in line with the general policy of the Ministry of Social Affairs to encourage the quality of human resources for KAT, especially SAD. In Sungai Terap, Batanghari Regency, Risma built a community center as a place of empowerment for SAD residents in the area.


The community center is an aid from the CSR SKK Migas-PetroChina International Jabung. The Ministry of Social Affairs also helps provide clean water facilities and communal toilets, not to mention supporting facilities, such as solar cells, sound systems, libraries, and others.


With these various facilities, the Ministry of Social Affairs provides proper teaching for Orang Rimba children in Jambi, because they live nomadic lives. As a result, their children also move around. The Minister hopes that in the future there will be equality for the Orang Rimba in Jambi with other communities in terms of education, social welfare and other aspects.


Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs