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Govt grants houses to nomadic tribesmen in Jambi
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Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa greets on Sunday (Feb. 19) Anak Dalam tribe members, also known as Orang Rimba people, in Pulau Lintang village, Sorolangun regency, Jambi. The minister handed over the keys to permanent houses for 23 families during her visit. (Courtesy of Social Affairs Ministry/David)
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ocial Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa handed over on Sunday permanent houses to 23 families of the nomadic Anak Dalam tribe, also known as Orang Rimba, in Pulau Lintang village in Sorolangun regency, Jambi.
“Thank God, we have approached them [Anak Dalam] for the past two years, and they finally wanted to settle down here,” said Khofifah in a press statement during the visit.
(Read also: Measles outbreak hits Orang Rimba tribe)
She said the land for the housing was provided by the regency administration while the houses and all facilities were prepared by the ministry.
The ministry allocated Rp 36 million (US$2,697) for construction of each house, with Rp 3 million allotted to buy mattresses, pillows and blankets for each family.
It also gave Rp 200,000 in school assistance for each of 21 children.
“We have allocated a total of Rp 901.2 million [for the project],” said Khofifah.
The politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB) said it was not easy to persuade the tribe members to settle in one place. The tribe has a tradition called melangun in which they leave a location when a relative dies.
The tribe has been condemned to live in poverty and surrounded by death as a result of their nomadic traditions. (wit)
