Pekerja Anak: Kisah Inklusi dari Sambas

Summary

In Sei Deden village, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, the palm oil industry has led to widespread child labor, with many young workers enduring hazardous conditions and neglecting education. However, a local community leader, Ishak, initiated a movement to combat child labor by engaging parents and collaborating with the palm oil company to fund scholarships and recreational programs for youth. This effort led to a significant reduction in child labor, from 100 child laborers in 2011 to just 30 by 2013, showcasing the power of community-driven change in promoting education and social inclusion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is one of the world's largest palm oil producers, with millions of hectares converted to plantations.
• 😀 Palm oil plantations have led to environmental degradation and contribute to hidden problems like child labor.
• 😀 Children working in the palm oil fields face health risks from pesticide exposure and lack of medical care.
• 😀 Agus Wendar, at 16 years old, dropped out of school in 3rd grade and began working in the palm oil fields at age 12.
• 😀 Workers, like Agus, were paid low wages and faced dangerous working conditions without proper compensation or rehabilitation.
• 😀 Anies, also 16, has been driving overloaded trucks since age 12, with multiple accidents resulting from the dangerous work conditions.
• 😀 Arief, a 12-year-old, stopped attending school after his mother passed away, and he struggles to speak up about his burdens.
• 😀 In 2011, 100 child laborers were reported in the village, which had a population of 3,000 families.
• 😀 Ishak, a local leader, took it upon himself to approach parents and educate them on the dangers of child labor, eventually gaining their support.
• 😀 Ishak's efforts, along with contributions from the community and palm oil companies, led to a reduction in child labor by 70% by 2013, with only 30 children still working in the fields.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The script discusses the issue of child labor in the palm oil industry in Sei Deden village, Sambas, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and the efforts made to address it.

How did child laborers in the palm oil fields suffer from their work?

Child laborers faced health risks, such as scabs from pesticides, and were unaware of the necessary precautions, like drinking milk or taking special medicine when handling chemicals.

What were the conditions like for Agus, Eric, and Anies as child laborers?

Agus dropped out of school at the third grade and worked in the fields from age 12. Eric had a work-related accident and has yet to receive rehabilitation. Anies, at age 16, drove overloaded trucks from a young age, and experienced several accidents.

Why did Arief, a 12-year-old, stop going to school?

Arief stopped going to school after his mother passed away during childbirth, and his aunt took in his younger brother. Over time, he just stopped attending school.

How did the community address the issue of child labor in Sei Deden village?

The Village Development Committee (KPMD) worked to engage parents and the palm oil company, raising awareness about the issue. They introduced a community fund to provide scholarships and recreational facilities, helping reduce child labor.

What was the reaction of parents to the initiative to reduce child labor?

At first, some parents were resistant, viewing their children working in the fields as their responsibility. However, after repeated discussions, many parents understood the issue and supported the initiative.

What role did Ishak play in reducing child labor in the village?

Ishak played a crucial role by going door-to-door, talking to parents, and convincing them of the importance of education. He also helped create a community fund, contributing to the reduction of child labor.

What financial contribution did the palm oil company make to help the children in the village?

The palm oil company contributed Rp. 5 per kilo of palm fruit sold to a community fund, which was used to provide scholarships and recreational opportunities for youth in the village.

What was the result of the efforts to reduce child labor in Sei Deden village by 2013?

By 2013, child labor in the village had decreased by 70%, with only 30 children still working in the palm oil fields, a significant improvement.

How does Ishak feel about the issue of child labor in the palm oil industry?

Ishak is deeply moved by the issue, as he was once a child laborer himself. His concern is personal, and he is committed to ensuring that future generations do not face the same struggles.