On Thursday, September 25, 2025, a community synergy meeting took place at the Nemnemleleu Village Hall in Mentawai. The event gathered 37 community members from seven villages in South Sipora Subdistrict and one village in North Sipora, along with NGO partners of SHEEP Foundation such as YCMM, CDRM-CDS, Jemari Sakato, LP2M, and AMAN.

The activity was driven by various challenges faced by Mentawai communities. These include the marginalization of women and persons with disabilities in development, dependence on external food sources, threats of disasters and climate change, weak financial management and literacy, and the loss of indigenous peoples’ rights over their forests due to logging company concessions. Data shows that the local government has opened around 79 hectares of new land for upland rice and granted forest utilization permits covering 20,706 hectares to timber processing companies. This situation has increased the risk of disasters such as flooding.

To address these challenges, participants discussed joint campaign agendas and collaborations on inclusion, local food sovereignty, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation (DRR/CCA), financial literacy, and indigenous peoples’ rights.

Several good practices were also shared by the participating communities and organizations. YSI showcased the development and marketing of local food products. CDRM-CDS highlighted inclusive financial management through cooperatives. YCMM promoted the participation of vulnerable and marginalized groups in village development. Jemari Sakato strengthened community capacity on DRR/CCA. LP2M engaged young women in sexual and reproductive health education. AMAN advocated for indigenous peoples’ rights.

During the sharing session, participants expressed the benefits they gained. They realized the importance of local food as a life-saving resource during disasters, the need to include vulnerable groups in village development, and the urgency of protecting forests for the survival of Mentawai’s indigenous communities.

The supported communities also committed to participating in the Local Food Festival in October as a form of promotion and advocacy for local food independence, aiming to build a resilient Mentawai in facing disasters and climate change.

One participant noted that the community synergy meeting helped them recognize the importance of advocating for Mentawai’s issues. They also emphasized that the lessons and good practices from each NGO should be developed collectively. YSI staff added that the event demonstrated the shared commitment of all community members and NGOs to advancing inclusion, local food sovereignty, DRR/CCA, financial literacy, and indigenous rights regardless of institutional differences.

However, challenges remain. Not all community members have adequate capacity and understanding of the discussed issues. Therefore, participants agreed on the need for regular community synergy follow-ups. These are expected to strengthen community knowledge and capacity, enabling them to carry out joint campaigns and advocacy efforts sustainably.