CARING FOR THE STRUGGLE OF THE PEOPLE OF KAMPONG TERJUN PEOPLE THROUGH EDUCATION OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION

For years, the Penunggu Indigenous Community has been in conflict with PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) II. This conflict concerns the territory of the Penunggu People in Kampong Terjun, a member of the Indonesian Penunggu People's Struggle Body (BPRPI). According to the history of shifting cultivation (reba), the Penunggu People's customary territory in Kampong Terjun covers 450 hectares. This territory remains in dispute with PTPN II. In 1995, the Penunggu People of Kampong Terjun, along with BPRPI, successfully reoccupied a portion of the 58 hectares of land that the Kampong Terjun community still inhabits. This has been the focus of the struggle of BPRPI and the Penunggu People of Kampong Terjun, demanding the return of their customary land.

To support the struggle for the return of their customary territory, the Orang Penunggu Kampong Terjun (Guardians of Kampong Terjun) consistently strives to improve the education of the younger generation. This strategy ensures organizational regeneration and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge related to genuine agrarian reform. This also ensures that their struggle can be continued by the next generation. This is the basis for the initiative to build an education center for youth and women of the Orang Penunggu. The building was completed in January 2025 and is being used for educational and training activities. The Orang Penunggu Kampong Terjun also welcomes the use of the center to other Orang Penunggu residents outside Kampong Terjun.

With the establishment of this education center, the People of Kampong Terjun can promote regeneration while maintaining their collective struggle for the return of their traditional territory. This program is estimated to impact 630 people: 236 men, 236 women, and 158 youth.