Protecting Traditional Land, the Indigenous People of Kampong Klambir Develop a Collective Economy

The life of the people of Kampung Klambir is quite simple. They rely on vegetable farming land, only enough to meet their daily needs, not to improve their welfare. On February 2, 2024, the Indigenous Community of Kampung Klambir held a meeting to decide on the program they would implement with the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding.

In the deliberation, they agreed to form a working team involving all residents to build a collective economic business unit. Activities include the creation of five freshwater ponds that can accommodate 5.000 catfish seeds, as well as duck farming and agriculture managed by women in the Traditional Land of the Penunggu Kampung Klambir People, Hamparan Perak District, Deli Serdang Regency.”

Now, five patin fish ponds are functioning well. Each pond, measuring 4 x 6 meters, can accommodate thousands of fish seeds. The management of the ponds is carried out through mutual cooperation by group members. In order to be able to make quality fish feed at a more affordable cost than buying manufactured feed, 25 participants attended a fish feed making training with Mr. Mili Suryanto as a practitioner resource person. .

However, as usual, every business has its challenges. There was an unpleasant odor from the dried fish feed ingredients, so BPRPI Kampung Klambir switched to cultivating Azolla (water fern grass) as an alternative feed that is more environmentally friendly and easy to develop. In addition, another problem arose during the dry season when the pond water decreased drastically, while in the rainy season, the water was abundant and overflowed. To overcome this, they bought a water pump machine to regulate the water level in the pond.

Part of the budget is also diverted to duck farming and agriculture managed by women. They utilize 1.200 square meters of land to plant basil, and a duck pen has been built to accommodate 50 ducklings. This initiative provides a space for women to contribute and express their ideas and thoughts in an effort to create economic independence.

With the cultivation of patin fish, the spirit of mutual cooperation among the people of Kampung Klambir is increasing. They gather more often to help each other in managing fish ponds, caring for plants, and livestock. The proceeds from the sale of patin fish and women's agricultural efforts will be used for training to increase the capacity of young BPRPI cadres, as part of the ongoing cadre formation process. Their hope is that this collective effort will not only improve the community's economy, but also strengthen the indigenous people's movement, and encourage the birth of new, strong cadres.

According to data from the 2023 FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) report, the collective economic model can increase productivity up to 30% higher than individual businesses thanks to a more efficient division of tasks and more optimal use of resources. In addition, the implementation of a fair profit-sharing system, each member feels the direct impact of their hard work, thus increasing motivation and a sense of ownership of the business being run. Business profits can also be shared to support community interests, such as training, capacity building, infrastructure maintenance, and new business development.

Through collective efforts, communities not only gain economic benefits, but also build solidarity and trust among members. That is why collective economies have also proven to be more resilient to crises because they are supported by the collective contributions and support of members, which makes businesses less likely to falter when facing challenges such as market price fluctuations or the impacts of climate change.

Nusantara Fund's support is not only about driving the wheels of the Indigenous Peoples' economy, but also becomes a real example of how the adaptation, hard work, and mutual cooperation of Indigenous Peoples can create change, both for welfare and environmental sustainability.

Kampong Klambir proves that by optimizing local potential and utilizing external support appropriately according to their priorities and needs, they are able to create alternative sources of income while also fostering solidarity among indigenous peoples. In time, this collective economy will surely become a strong supporter that ensures their sustainability in maintaining customary land.