The Boat that Forgot its Sail

RAJA Ampat regency, an island group in West Papua, is known as the tidal coral reef heart of the world. Around 75 percent of all known coral species in the world can be found there. Fishing families live according to their traditions and customs from one generation to the next. This traditional lifestyle has continued normally, until recently, when fish—which represent their principle source of livelihood—started to become difficult to find close to shore.

The impact of global warming? Perhaps. But what is clear is that life is gradually changing: motorboats have replaced the sailboats inherited from their grandfathers, and the recent fuel price hikes are putting pressure on their way of life. The following is a report from notes taken by Tempo journalist Untung Widyanto, who visited the area late last month.

Climate change and the high price of diesel fuel are now impacting on the lives of Raja Ampat fishermen. The tidal coral reefs are still preserved, but fish are becoming scarce. Local people hope that their children will not become fishermen too.