In West Kalimantan, there is a community of strong women who protect the forests in their area from fires. They are The Power of Mama.
The Power of Mama is an organization of strong women across generations from 4 villages in Ketapang, Pematang Gadung Village, Sungai Besar Village, Sukamaju, and Sungai Awan Kiri.
They performed heroic actions to extinguish forest and land fires in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. They not only helped overcome fires but also participated in environmental control.
The Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) formed and facilitated this community.
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
As reported by the BBC, YIARI Program Director Karmele Llano Sanchez decided to form the first all-female firefighting team after a local farmer set fire to a forest to clear land.
YIARI staff asked male farmers for help, but they ignored them. When they asked the farmer’s wives for help, they helped put out the fire.
Sanchez felt that the experience proved that women could help change people’s behavior to prevent forest fires.
But, these women were mocked when they joined the Power of Mama.
“We were laughed at for wearing uniforms and joining patrols,” recalls Siti, a member of The Power of Mama.
“Men in the village would mock us and say things like: ‘Women are on patrol? Seriously?’ Why do women have to patrol when there are better things to do?”
But these tough mamas did not give up on volunteering to put out fires and conduct patrols to prevent forest and land fires in Ketapang.
They also actively socialize with villagers, protect the environment, and help with various agricultural activities in the villages in Ketapang Regency.
In November 2023, Power of Mama received the Indonesia Clean Air Championship Award (Penghargaan Kejuaraan Udara Bersih Indonesia) for their efforts to ensure clean air for the local community.
Salute to The Power of Mama!
