The Sea as Home: Stories from Bajo Tilamuta Village Facing Modern Challenges

For the Bajo people in Bajo Tilamuta Village, Gorontalo, Indonesia, the sea is more than just a source of livelihood; it is their living space that shapes their identity, knowledge, and traditions passed down through generations. However, this way of life, long dependent on the sea, now faces various challenges. To this day, the Bajo community lacks a formal system for maritime tenure or agreed-upon sea area rights. The ambiguity of fishing zone boundaries makes them vulnerable to external pressures. Furthermore, climate change has led to increasingly unpredictable weather, forcing some fishermen to venture further out to sea to find fish. In the last two decades, coastal ecosystems have also undergone changes. Residents have noted coral bleaching events in 2022, a decline in sea turtle populations around Tinumang Island, and the disappearance of dugongs from the waters near Asiangi Island. Social changes are also impacting their lives, including a decreasing interest among the younger generation in pursuing a career as fishermen. Through its journey to Bajo Tilamuta Village, Mongabay Indonesia documents the lives of a community that has long lived in harmony with the sea. This report aims to let viewers hear directly from the residents, understand their relationship with the sea that has been preserved for generations, and witness the various challenges they face in maintaining their culture, livelihoods, and rights to their coastal territories. This article was originally published on Mongabay.co.id.