Stories: Communities

A story of resilience, partnership, and shared success.

Ali begins his day before sunrise with a harvesting pole and helmet in hand; he prepares to leave for the oil palm plantation where he works as a fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvester. For the last five years, he has been part of the Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food workforce, a role he chose in search of more security for his family’s wellbeing.

As a member of the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD), a community long bonded with the forests of Jambi. Life for Ali used to depend on hunting. But in recent years, his reliance on the forest often meant uncertainty. As wildlife became harder to find, Ali recognised that his skills and family responsibilities required a more stable income. “Hunting is not as easy as it used to be. Sometimes we got a lot, but often we could go an entire week without catching anything,” he recalled.

When he learned about employment opportunities at PT Kresna Duta Agroindo (KDA) , he applied eager to grow with the company and contribute to something more consistent. He now works seven hours a day, six days a week, harvesting palm fruit, with his earnings dependent on the volume of fruit he is able to collect. “If there are fewer fruits, then of course I earn less. But working here, at least I have regular income, and I can go home to my family every day,” he said. “That’s what I enjoy most about this job, time with my family.

His biggest motivation is clear: a better life for his children

He has three children, two currently studying and one still a toddler. For him, payday every month is more than just income; it is a chance to secure his children’s future. What he looks forward to the most is the 6^th of every month, when he receives his wages. He wants to leave something meaningful for his children. “My father never thought about the future, all he gave me was life, nothing more. But I don’t want that for my children. I want to move forward and give them a better life. Even if I only have a little, I want to leave something meaningful for them,” Ali said.

A Woman’s Courage to Choose Her Own Path

In the same community, 27-year-old Sidarmi is embracing her independence. As a fruit picker (pemberondol), she earns her own income. “I decided to work as a fruit picker because I saw my friends doing it and they could earn their own money. They could buy snacks for their children, buy clothes for them, and not have to rely on their husband’s wages. That made me think, I also want to work and earn my own income,” she said firmly.

She chose a stable home over the challenges of moving from place to place, especially with young children. After a week of hands-on training from the plantation supervisors, she began working, proving her capability and enthusiasm. Some days she can collect 10 to 20 baskets; it depends on the weather and her energy.  She rides together with her husband from their home just one kilometre away, balancing her responsibilities as a mother of three while continuing to build her skills.

Ali and Sidarmi’s stories show how SAD communities are taking on new roles based on their own choices, strengths, and ambitions. Their deep knowledge of the land, work ethic, and family-centred values contribute to sustainable operations while training, employment access, and fair income help their families achieve greater stability.