MEMUNGGUNGI LAUT - Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru #45

Summary

This documentary-style video script explores the impact of urban development and reclamation projects on traditional fishing communities in Manado, Indonesia. The story follows Sudirman, a fisherman whose family has lived in the area since 1942, as they face threats from ongoing land reclamation that threatens their livelihood. Despite the legal and economic challenges, the fishermen continue to resist displacement and fight for their rights. The script highlights the tension between economic progress and the preservation of local traditions, as well as the environmental impact of large-scale development on the coastal ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story begins with a journey from Gorontalo to North Sulawesi, highlighting the impact of environmental conditions and forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan during the dry season of 2015.
• 😀 In Manado, the script introduces the plight of local fishermen in the Kinnaman village, whose livelihoods are threatened by land reclamation projects along the coast.
• 😀 Reclamation projects in Manado are rapidly expanding, impacting traditional fishing communities that rely on coastal ecosystems for their survival.
• 😀 Sudirman, a fisherman from Kinnaman village, shares his family's long history of fishing in the area since 1942 and the daily challenges they face.
• 😀 The local fishermen depend on their boats to navigate the waters and catch fish, with Sudirman using various fishing methods, but their access to the sea is increasingly restricted.
• 😀 The fishermen's homes and livelihoods are at risk due to land reclamation, and they are concerned about losing their rights to the land and their ability to live peacefully and safely.
• 😀 The local government and businesses are pushing for relocation, but many fishermen are opposed, believing that displacement would disrupt their cultural connection to the sea.
• 😀 Despite not having formal land ownership documents, the fishermen like Sudirman have been occupying the land for generations, creating a complex situation of legal and cultural challenges.
• 😀 Reclamation has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of fishermen, with the community shrinking by 70% since 2003, leading many to switch professions, such as becoming street vendors or construction workers.
• 😀 The fishermen, including Sudirman and Pony, are adapting by finding new ways to survive, such as producing fishing nets, but these efforts are not enough to fully replace their traditional livelihood.

Q & A

What is the central issue faced by the fishermen in Manado?

The central issue is the threat of displacement due to a reclamation project along the coastline of Manado. The project, which involves landfills for commercial properties, is forcing traditional fishermen to lose their fishing grounds and jeopardizing their livelihoods.

How has the reclamation project impacted the fishermen's way of life?

The reclamation project has significantly impacted the fishermen's ability to fish, with many having to adapt by reducing the size of their boats and facing difficulties in securing safe docking spots. The expansion of commercial properties has also forced them to find new locations to anchor their boats, making their traditional way of life increasingly unsustainable.

What economic and cultural challenges do the fishermen face due to the reclamation?

The fishermen face both economic and cultural challenges, as they lose access to vital fishing areas and struggle to maintain their livelihoods. There's a strong cultural connection between the fishermen and the sea, and relocating or being displaced from their homes disrupts not only their work but also their identity and community.

How has the number of fishermen in Manado changed due to the reclamation?

The number of fishermen in Manado has decreased by approximately 70% since the reclamation projects started. Many have either abandoned fishing or switched to other forms of employment such as becoming construction workers, security guards, or street vendors.

What is the significance of the term 'Daseng Panglima'?

'Daseng Panglima' refers to a narrow space between reclaimed land where fishermen still try to anchor their boats. It is an essential location for fishermen like Sudirman and others to find some shelter for their vessels amidst the ongoing reclamation projects.

What is Sudirman's role in the community, and what does he need for his work?

Sudirman is a fisherman who, along with his community, has been living in the area since 1942. He relies on fishing and needs five liters of gasoline to travel four miles into the sea. Sudirman uses specialized fishing gear for different types of fish, with hopes of catching enough to support his family and community.

What was the reaction to the government's promise of relocation for the fishermen?

The fishermen, including Sudirman, have been skeptical of promises of relocation. They argue that being moved away from their homes would disconnect them from the sea, and they oppose such plans due to their deep economic and cultural ties to the coastal areas.

How are the fishermen's fishing practices being affected by the reclamation?

The reclamation has forced fishermen to become more resourceful, with some needing to carefully calculate tides, weather conditions, and how far they need to travel to find fish. Their boats have become smaller to fit into limited spaces, and the risk of damage from strong waves and rocky barriers has made fishing increasingly dangerous.

What are the alternative livelihoods the fishermen have turned to?

Due to the lack of fishing opportunities, many fishermen have turned to alternative jobs such as working as construction laborers, security guards, or even small-scale entrepreneurs like street vendors. However, the transition hasn't always improved their financial situation, with some still struggling to make ends meet.

What is the current state of the coastline in Manado following the reclamation?

The coastline in Manado has undergone significant transformation due to the reclamation, with many areas now occupied by commercial properties, shopping malls, hotels, and apartments. The public can no longer freely enjoy the beach, as the view is now mostly restricted to hotel guests or apartment residents.