“If you see oil palm as a threat, you must also dare to see it as an opportunity.” I was not against, but even more so, I was not defending the oil palm companies. I was actually at a loss for words facing these young, spirited men.
Beyond my expectations, that same night they managed to draw up an organizational work plan. The main objective was to strengthen the basis of the remaining kampungs, among others, by creatively cultivating superior rubber trees and mapping sacred places, documenting the culture and history of Kampung Loncek.
From that moment on, I secured my place among them. I would always be invited whenever they held a meeting or a ceremony of forest foragers. At least, now they are thinking about the future. So now, I don’t care what people out there say about Loncek.
A pastor who served there once even told me that Kampung Loncek was a cradle of gambling, its people are mad about karaoke and other vice. e pastor later changed his mind and was proud and sympathetic, now even promoting the Loncek youth movement in his sermons.