INDONESIAKU | NESTAPA DESA YANG TERISOLIR (10/01/22) Part 1

Summary

The video script details the plight of Desa Gelar Pawitan, a remote village in Cianjur, Indonesia, isolated due to a washed-out bridge. The villagers, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and selling their produce, face significant challenges in transportation and healthcare access. The script follows their daily struggles, from the arduous journey to school for children to the difficult process of making 'kolang kaling' from the 'aren' fruit. It also highlights their efforts to build a bamboo bridge and their desperate need for government assistance to improve their living conditions.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The village of Gelar Pawitan in Cianjur, Indonesia, is geographically isolated and lagging despite its proximity to the bustling city center.
• 🚧 Access to the village is challenging due to the poor condition of the roads, which are often unpaved and rocky, necessitating the use of motorbikes for transportation.
• 🌉 A crucial bridge connecting the village to the outside world was destroyed by a flood in 2017 and has not been repaired, severely impacting the villagers' economy and daily life.
• 🌾 The fertile land in Gelar Pawitan is the main source of livelihood for the villagers, who rely on agriculture, farming, and processing of local produce.
• 🏝️ The villagers face significant challenges in transporting their produce to market due to the lack of a bridge, leading to economic hardship.
• 👨‍🌾 Harvesting 'Aren' fruit, which is used to make 'kolang kaling' (a traditional snack), is a labor-intensive process that requires climbing bamboo ladders and careful handling to avoid the irritant sap.
• 🍂 The production of kolang kaling involves boiling the fruit to remove the sap, peeling it carefully, and then drying it, all of which are done manually by the villagers.
• 👩‍🍳 Some villagers, like Bu Jumariah, try to supplement their income by making sweets from kolang kaling, but they face difficulties in obtaining the necessary ingredients like sugar.
• 🏥 Health facilities in the village are inadequate, and for serious medical conditions, patients must be transported to a health center 11 km away, often using makeshift methods due to the lack of a bridge.
• 🚶‍♂️ Schoolchildren in Gelar Pawitan must walk long distances and cross a 50-meter-wide river to reach their school, which is dangerous and poses a risk to their safety.
• 🙏 The community's plea to the government for assistance, including the repair of the bridge and basic necessities, has been largely unaddressed, leaving them to rely on their own efforts and community support.

Q & A

What is the name of the village that is isolated and left behind despite being close to the bustling center of Cianjur?

The village is called Desa Gelar Pawitan, located in Kecamatan Cidaun, Kabupaten Cianjur.

Why is transportation to Desa Gelar Pawitan challenging?

Transportation to Desa Gelar Pawitan is challenging because the road conditions are very poor, with the asphalt roads deteriorating into rocky paths, making it impossible for regular vehicles to pass.

What type of vehicle is required to access Desa Gelar Pawitan due to the road conditions?

Due to the heavy and damaged road conditions, one must use 'ojek gunung' or mountain motorbikes to access Desa Gelar Pawitan.

What was the impact of the bridge collapse on the villagers' economy?

The collapse of the bridge has severely impacted the villagers' economy as it has made it difficult for them to sell their agricultural produce, leading to a decline in their livelihoods.

How did the villagers attempt to solve the bridge problem?

The villagers attempted to build a self-made bamboo bridge to facilitate foot and motorcycle traffic, but it was not strong enough to support heavier vehicles.

What is the main occupation of the villagers in Desa Gelar Pawitan?

The main occupation of the villagers in Desa Gelar Pawitan is agriculture, with a focus on farming, plantation, and processing of local produce.

What is the process like for villagers to harvest and process 'kolang kaling' from the 'aren' tree?

The process involves climbing the 'aren' tree using a bamboo ladder, carefully separating the fruit from the branches, boiling the fruit to soften it, peeling it, and then drying it. This is labor-intensive and can be hazardous due to the sticky sap of the fruit.

What additional challenges do the villagers face in terms of healthcare access?

The villagers face challenges in accessing healthcare due to the lack of adequate facilities in their village. In cases of severe illness, patients must be transported to a health clinic 11 KM away, often using traditional means like 'tandu' or stretchers.

How do the villagers ensure the safety of children crossing the river to go to school?

The villagers, including teachers, take turns guarding the children as they cross the river on makeshift bamboo bridges. They also use 'bancuh' or river-crossing aids to ensure the children's safety.

What is the villagers' main request to the government to improve their living conditions?

The villagers' main request is for the government to repair the bridge, which would significantly improve their access to markets, healthcare, and education, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.