Nukila Evanty: The way of life of sea nomads is threatened by industrial development

Jakarta, IO – Bringing progress and progress to a region requires continuous development. This is why the government has established several National Strategic Projects (PSN) from Sabang to Merauke, including the one in Riau Islands.

Nukila Evanty, chairman of the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative (IMA) and the Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Organized Crime (Koalisi), highlighted the establishment of the Special Economic Zone (KEK) – built at a cost of Rp199.6 trillion in Tanjung Sauh . Batam, Riau Islands – where 366,087 workers are expected to work in 2053. The KEK is seen as a hub for energy production and processing, logistics and distribution.

Despite her noble intentions, Nukila urged policymakers to properly consult with the local indigenous community, especially those most affected by this policy, namely the sea nomads/sea gypsies or water tribes who have led a nomadic life at sea for generations and earn their living by fishing and gathering sea products.

The PSNs have had their lives affected as large-scale industrial developments have worsened marine pollution. “Can we imagine the fear felt by the sea nomads whose lives and livelihoods depend on the sea when they see that the sea is no longer as it used to be, no longer friendly, and even marginalizes them because it is polluted. Today, it is no longer easy for them to catch and sell fish because the fish population has been significantly depleted,” Nukila explains.

(Source: Special)

The sea nomads in the Riau Islands are from the Malay-Lingga tribe. “They have existed since ancient times, long before Indonesia gained independence. They have done us a great service because in the past they guarded the straits, repelled pirates and guarded the territorial waters of the Malaysian sultanates,” Nukila said.

When Nukila recently visited the tribe, she was moved because they still maintain aspects of their ancestral traditions, from making kajang (boat covers), stilt houses, catching fish with spears and before going to sea, they can predict the weather by looking at the position of the stars in the sky.

Nukila hoped that development would continue, but without ignoring the existence of the indigenous tribes. “If they are forced to move onto land, they will not necessarily be able to survive. Because they are seafaring people. Don’t let developers ignore the lives of the Water Tribe. If we do not preserve their way of life, the sea nomads of the Riau Islands may become extinct and we will only know them from the history books,” Nukila said in a sad voice.

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She stressed the need for concrete action to support the last marine nomads. “Recognition of their identity is very important. There are fewer and fewer people who still maintain the centuries-old tradition. Without concrete steps to support them, we will lose a new local language and culture, as well as valuable knowledge about the sea,” Nukila said.

A comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach is needed to address the various issues faced by the tribe, from access to healthcare, education to assistance to elderly women and people with disabilities. Access to schools far from home is one of the key challenges that needs to be addressed immediately.

“Gender-sensitive policies, supported by gender-based data, are urgently needed. This will enable the government to take appropriate intervention measures for women in the tribe. Without a focused focus on gender, development efforts will fail to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Nukila said. (des)

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