Life between the Tides
Kalimantan, Indonesia's gigantic tropical island, is blessed with hundreds of rivers almost as wide as oceans. Many of the local population live above the river water, between the tides. The water is their highway, their home, their places of work and, for the children, their playground. They even seek medication, trade and party over the waters. It is a culture that is rarely seen in other parts of Indonesia. A special report by Tempo English Edition from the remote areas of East and South Kalimantan.
July 7, 2010
ENGGELAM River, Kutai Kertanegara regency, East Kalimantan. A gubeng (a boat in the Kutai language) is sailing slowly to Lake Melintang, heading for the gate of Muara Enggelam village, Muara Wis district. As it enters the village, the common view appears. There are no paths. There is only water, water and water. The river separates rows of floating wooden houses, which are similar in size. Children and adults adeptly control their colorful boats.
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