Juliana is the first adat woman from the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community to complete higher education. In December 2024, she officially graduated with a Bachelor of Forestry from the Faculty of Science and Technology at one of private university in Jambi, achieving a GPA of 3.52. Her achievement is not only a source of pride for herself and her family but also a testament to the opportunities adat women have in accessing higher education and building a better future.
However, Juliana’s journey to graduation was not without challenges. She was born and raised in a sudung—a traditional SAD dwelling—deep in the forest, far from access to formal education. In her community, education remains limited, and many girls face significant barriers in continuing their studies due to various factors, including child marriage and a lack of infrastructure. Many of her peers were forced to drop out of school because of these circumstances.
Juliana’s success was made possible in part by the support of Pundi Sumatra, one of KEMITRAAN’s partners in the INKLUSI Program, which works to expand access to education and basic services for SAD communities. Through a community-based approach, Pundi Sumatra established Sekolah Alam, or Nature School (Sekolah Alam), as a bridge for SAD children to experience education before transitioning to formal schooling. Juliana was one of the most eager students there.
Juliana has shown that education can open up new opportunities. Years of dedicated support have given hope to SAD children, particularly girls who face multiple challenges in accessing education, said Dewi Yunita, CEO of Pundi Sumatra.
When Juliana decided to pursue university in 2020, her decision was met with resistance. Many in her community questioned her choice, and even her father, Samsu, faced criticism.
“We were seen as strange for allowing Juliana to go to university. People said it was a waste of money,” he recalled.
Despite this, Juliana pressed forward with the support of her family and Pundi Sumatra. She didn’t just excel academically—she also actively participated in various activities. She performed poetry at the Jambi Cultural Festival, spoke at national forums, and even became a guest speaker to inspire other SAD children with her story.
I want the girls in my community to know that they have choices. They can go to school, have dreams, and shape their own futures, Juliana said.
Juliana’s achievement is proof that more girls in the SAD community now could dream bigger and pursue higher education. Through her determination, she has paved the way for the younger generation of SAD children to have more options in deciding their futures.
