A New Day Begins Before Sunrise
Before the first light of dawn touches the sky, Ali is already awake. With his harvesting pole resting on his shoulder and his helmet securely in place, he prepares for another day at the oil palm plantation where he works as a fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvester. This routine has become a familiar and meaningful part of his life over the past five years, during which he has been a member of the Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food workforce. For Ali, this job is more than daily labour—it represents stability, dignity, and hope for his family’s future.
Each morning, Ali leaves his home with a clear purpose: to provide for his wife and children and to build a life that is more secure than the one he once knew. The plantation is where he has found consistency, a steady rhythm of work, and the reassurance of returning home every evening to his loved ones.
From Forest Dependence to Uncertain Livelihoods
Ali belongs to the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD), an Indigenous community that has lived in close connection with the forests of Jambi for generations. For much of his early life, survival depended on hunting and gathering. The forest provided food, shelter, and identity. However, as environmental conditions changed and wildlife became harder to find, the forest could no longer guarantee sustenance.
“Hunting is not as easy as it used to be,” Ali reflected. “Sometimes we caught a lot, but often we could go an entire week without catching anything.”
This growing uncertainty forced Ali to think differently. With a family to support and children to raise, relying solely on hunting no longer felt sustainable. While the forest remained deeply important to his identity, he knew he needed a more reliable source of income to meet his responsibilities as a father.
Choosing Stability for Family Wellbeing
Ali’s turning point came when he learned about job opportunities at PT Kresna Duta Agroindo (KDA). Seeing a chance to build a more secure future, he applied with determination and a willingness to learn. Today, he works seven hours a day, six days a week, harvesting oil palm fruit. His earnings depend on the volume he collects, which means some days are more rewarding than others.
“If there are fewer fruits, then of course I earn less,” Ali explained. “But working here, at least I have regular income, and I can go home to my family every day.”
That sense of routine and closeness to home is what he values most. Unlike the unpredictability of hunting, plantation work allows him to plan, to budget, and to be present in his children’s lives. Returning home each evening is no longer uncertain—it is guaranteed.
Building a Better Future for His Children
Ali’s greatest motivation is his children. He is a father of three: two of his children are currently attending school, while the youngest is still a toddler. Every month, the 6th is a date he eagerly anticipates—it is payday, and with it comes the ability to support his family’s needs.
“For me, payday is not just about money,” Ali said. “It’s about giving my children something better.”
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Ali shared that his father never planned for the future. “All he gave me was life, nothing more,” he said quietly. “I don’t want that for my children.”
Ali dreams of leaving something meaningful behind—education, security, and opportunities his children can build upon. Even if his resources are limited, his intentions are clear. He wants his children to move forward with more choices and fewer uncertainties than he had.
A Woman’s Courage to Choose Her Own Path
In the same community, 27-year-old Sidarmi is also redefining her future through work and independence. She is employed as a fruit picker, known locally as a pemberondol, collecting loose palm fruit from the ground. For Sidarmi, the decision to work was driven by both observation and aspiration.
“I decided to work as a fruit picker because I saw my friends doing it,” she said. “They could earn their own money. They could buy snacks and clothes for their children without relying only on their husband’s wages.”
That independence resonated deeply with her. Sidarmi wanted to contribute directly to her household and gain confidence in her own abilities. Earning her own income meant having a voice and a sense of self-reliance.
Learning, Working, and Balancing Family Life
Sidarmi underwent a week of hands-on training with plantation supervisors before beginning her role. The training equipped her with the skills and confidence needed to perform her tasks effectively. Each day presents different challenges, influenced by weather conditions and physical energy. On average, she collects between 10 and 20 baskets of fruit per day.
She travels to work with her husband, riding together from their home just one kilometre away. Despite being a mother of three, Sidarmi manages to balance her responsibilities at home with her growing role in the workforce. Choosing to settle in a stable home, rather than moving from place to place, has helped her provide consistency for her children while continuing to build her skills.
Community Choices and Shared Progress
The stories of Ali and Sidarmi highlight a broader transformation within SAD communities—one driven by choice, adaptability, and ambition. Rather than abandoning their identity, they are building new livelihoods that align with their values: hard work, respect for the land, and a strong focus on family.
Their deep understanding of the environment, combined with structured training and employment opportunities, allows them to contribute meaningfully to sustainable operations. In return, fair income and access to stable work provide their families with greater security and long-term prospects.
Through determination and opportunity, Ali and Sidarmi are shaping futures that honour their roots while embracing new possibilities—proving that progress, when built on choice and respect, can create lasting hope for generations to come.
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