Orang Laut, a group of nomadic sea people in Indonesia, are facing challenges due to climate change. Previously able to harvest abundant amounts of squid and fish, they now struggle to catch enough for sustenance. To address this issue, the government of Batam is providing assistance to the Orang Laut, such as outboard motors for faster travel, training for fish farming, and sewing machines for additional income. However, in exchange for this aid, the Orang Laut are being pressured to abandon their nomadic lifestyle and settle in one location.
Since the 1990s, the government has been encouraging Orang Laut to move away from their traditional nomadic ways, viewed as primitive, and adopt a more sedentary lifestyle. As a result, many Orang Laut have relocated to stilt houses in various areas around Batam. The shift has brought benefits such as access to education, healthcare, and social assistance, but it has also caused a loss of traditional culture and practices. The younger generation now attends school, while adults receive healthcare and support, marking a significant departure from their ancestors’ way of life.
In some Orang Laut communities, the transition to settlement has been complete, with traditional rowboats existing only in the memories of older residents. The shift to sedentary life has led to the construction of smaller, more maneuverable boats, as fewer family members are involved in sea journeys. Women and children often remain on land while men venture out to sea for extended periods. This change reflects the evolving roles and responsibilities within Orang Laut communities, where men take on the primary role of fishing and travel.
The Orang Laut have witnessed a decline in their traditional fishing yields, leading to economic challenges and a need to adapt their livelihoods. Climate change has affected their ability to catch squid and fish, once plentiful in the waters they frequented. As a response, the government has stepped in to support the community with tools, training, and resources to enable alternative sources of income. However, this aid comes with the condition that the Orang Laut must give up their nomadic lifestyle and settle in designated areas, marking a significant shift in their cultural identity.
The government’s efforts to modernize and integrate the Orang Laut into mainstream society have brought about changes in their way of life, from education and healthcare access to housing and social services. While the transition has provided benefits in terms of improved living conditions, it has also led to a loss of traditional practices and customs. The Orang Laut, once renowned for their nomadic sea-faring lifestyle, are now being encouraged to embrace a more sedentary existence, which comes with both advantages and challenges as they navigate this transformation.
