Masyarakat Adat: Kisah Inklusi dari Kasepuhan Cirompang, Banten

Summary

In Kasepuhan Cirompang, a traditional village in Banten, Indonesia, women have transformed their roles within the community. Initially sidelined, they formed a vegetable garden collective, improving their families' well-being and earning a voice in village affairs. This shift towards gender equality has empowered the women to actively participate in decision-making and development projects. Now seen as key contributors, they have even requested a preschool to support future generations. The story showcases the positive impact of social inclusion and highlights the growing strength and leadership of women in a traditional society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The villagers in Kasepuhan Cirompang, Banten, preserve their traditional way of life with some important changes.
• 😀 Titin Yulianti, a teacher from Cirompang, is passionate about maintaining her community's traditions while improving the village.
• 😀 The Kasepuhan customary beliefs regulate every aspect of life in Cirompang, including work and travel outside the village.
• 😀 Women in Cirompang were traditionally excluded from the community’s decision-making and were often treated as second-class citizens.
• 😀 Women in Cirompang have pioneered a vegetable garden collective, which has significantly improved their families' well-being and food security.
• 😀 Before the women’s garden initiative, the village had limited vegetable options, and the women would only eat vegetables once a week.
• 😀 The women now grow their own vegetables and no longer need to buy them, which has empowered them in their household roles.
• 😀 Through their collective efforts, women in Cirompang have gained a stronger voice in their community and are now involved in decision-making.
• 😀 Women, once relegated to serving food at village meetings, now participate actively and are asked for their opinions on community issues.
• 😀 Titin, as a preschool teacher, has advocated for the establishment of a preschool in the village, giving hope for the future.
• 😀 Since 2015, women in Kasepuhan Cirompang have become key players in village development, marking significant progress toward gender equality.

Q & A

What is the traditional way of life in Kasepuhan Cirompang, and how does it affect the villagers' daily activities?

The traditional way of life in Kasepuhan Cirompang, governed by Kasepuhan customary beliefs, dictates all aspects of life. Villagers' activities, such as work and travel, must align with these customs. For example, if the customs prohibit leaving the village or advise departure, the villagers are expected to respect those rules.

How did the position of women in Cirompang change over time?

Women in Cirompang were initially excluded from community affairs, often restricted to household duties after working in the rice fields. However, their role improved significantly when they established a vegetable garden collective, which empowered them economically and socially, granting them a more recognized position in the community.

What was the role of women in Cirompang before they started the vegetable garden collective?

Before the vegetable garden collective, women in Cirompang had limited roles. They were mainly involved in domestic tasks, such as tidying the house, while the men had more authority. Women were regarded as third-class citizens, and their contributions were not acknowledged in community matters.

What impact did the vegetable garden collective have on the women of Cirompang?

The vegetable garden collective provided women with the opportunity to grow their own food, which improved their families' nutrition and reduced their reliance on external sources. The success of the collective helped women gain a stronger voice in the community, leading to greater social inclusion.

How did the role of women change in the community meetings after the vegetable garden collective?

Before the collective, women were mainly responsible for serving food and coffee at village meetings. Afterward, they were invited to participate in discussions and share their opinions, particularly regarding matters related to their women's group.

What change did Titin Yulianti, the teacher, seek for the village?

Titin Yulianti, as a preschool teacher, advocated for the construction of a preschool building. Although it is still a promise at this stage, it has given the community hope for the future and further development in their village.

What is the significance of the women's group in Cirompang regarding their village's development?

The women's group plays a key role in the development of Cirompang. Their collective actions have not only improved their well-being but also empowered them to become active participants in shaping the future of the village, demonstrating social inclusion and equality.

How has the status of women in Cirompang evolved since 2015?

Since 2015, women in Kasepuhan Cirompang have become significant contributors to village development. They are no longer marginalized but are now key actors in decision-making processes and development projects, including those that focus on improving the community's infrastructure and well-being.

Why is the success of the vegetable garden collective seen as an example of social inclusion?

The vegetable garden collective is a clear example of social inclusion because it helped women become active participants in their community's economic and social life. It allowed them to improve their living conditions and gave them a voice in decisions, which were previously dominated by men.

What is the underlying message of the women's progress in Cirompang?

The underlying message is that when women are empowered and given opportunities, they can contribute significantly to societal development. In Cirompang, the women’s progress towards equality has not only improved their personal lives but also strengthened their community as a whole.