Session Name: Seeing Southeast Asia through a sea-nomadic lens II
2 - The Bajau communities in Indonesia: A false dichotomy in co-management for coastal conservation and tourism impetus
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
11:15 – 13:00 (GMT+7)
Presentation Abstract Indonesia is an archipelagic nation with unique coastal communities that traditionally manage their resources sustainably. Through the maritime cultures and practices, enhancing the coastal community's ability to participate in collaborative marine resource management is a new facade in the development discourses. This research explores co-management as a key that meets the needs of both users and managers regarding the current development dichotomy on the coast and island of Indonesia, particularly for the Bajau sea nomads. This research was conducted in the Bajau communities of Wakatobi Regency in Southeast Sulawesi using multi-sided ethnography from October 2020 to October 2021. The study uncovered a complex situation regarding the Bajau community's landless and nomadic mentality and cultural orientation to marine resources. The Bajau in Wakatobi are concerned about coastal conservation and tourism development. The dynamics of both issues exhibit various pros and cons for different community members and interests. However, the Bajau have been excluded from decision-making due to development policies that left their unique needs. Co-management has also unintentionally marginalized the Bajau and pushed them to the periphery of their customary marine areas due to a lack of communal acknowledgment and management capacity. The current approach has also caused the Bajau culture to shift away from its maritime identity and become more land-based. Local government must prioritize development considering Bajau's contemporary coastal conservation and tourism impetus.
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