Poor. The latest documentary works Watchdoc entitled The Bajau, starting January 11, then played simultaneously in various regions in Indonesia, including in Malang City. On Thursday night (23/1), State University of Malang (UM) also had the opportunity to watch a movie together (Nobar) that tells the life of the Bajau Tribe in Sulawesi. Nobar's done in Cafe The library library of UM is even more interesting because it continues to have direct discussions with Asman, a UM student who is originally from the Bajau tribe.

This film shows the wisdom of the Bajau people who live in harmony with the sea. This tribe, which is known to be tough in terms of diving, can blend in with nature. Because indeed their origins are from sea nomads whose lives are mostly spent in the middle of the sea. So that only recently some of them have houses on the mainland because they are encouraged by the government to live. Not only that, environmental issues such as the existence of mines that destroy marine habitats around the Bajau tribe are also a critical spotlight in this film. "Actually, half of it is told from us," said Asman.

This Bajo tribe man from the Yangking clan also explained that the biological damage in their area was gradually being felt. Moreover, he still remembers as a child his house on stilts around the island was very easy to find fish. Just throw the hook in through the window of the house, the fish have grabbed it. However, after the mine entered, the fish were difficult to find and had to go out to sea before they could find fish. "The fish have run away, the seaweed that is our income is also contaminated with mines," explained the Indonesian Language Education graduate student.

Not only that, on the opportunity to spark the discussion, Asman also shared how unique the Bajau people are, who are used to living in the sea. Especially in their diving ability, the Bajau are known to be able to dive longer than humans in general. He also told his uncle who was used to diving at depths of 10 to 30 feet without a breathing apparatus. “My uncle used to dive for 10 to 13 minutes without tools. And it is used in our society, "said the student whose thesis is about the Bajau Tribe.

Asman also showed research that physically accustomed to fishing, the Bajau people have a different size spleen than humans in general. The Bajau have a spleen which is known to be bigger than others, so they can last longer in the water. "We can't go far from the sea. As it has been 6 months since I was in Malang, I didn't see the sea. I really miss wanting to see the sea, ”said Asman, laughing. 

Name: Moh. Fikri Zulfikar

Student: Postgraduate Indonesian Language Education, State University of Malang (UM)