Freediving revival preserves Bajau culture and marine life in Indonesia

In Poto Tano, Indonesia, Bajau fishers are returning to traditional freediving techniques, aided by the Jari Foundation and a local group called PELITA.

The Bajau people, an Indigenous group across Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have long harvested from the sea using freediving. Recently, the West Nusa Tenggara province banned compressor diving, a dangerous practice using air pumped through a hose, making traditional skills more important.

PELITA, or the Octopus Fishermen Brotherhood, formed to help fishers transition away from compressor diving and focus on sustainable practices. Jari, a marine program, supports PELITA by combining traditional knowledge with conservation efforts and ecotourism. They’ve also initiated Women for Marine Conservation to broaden community involvement in managing marine resources. The shift isn't without challenges. Some fishers initially relied on compressors for income, and enforcing the ban requires nighttime surveillance.

However, many have witnessed the devastating health effects of compressor diving, paralysis, even death, and are eager to protect their traditions and the ocean. Jari and PELITA are now working with the local government to allow the village to manage its own marine resources, emphasizing sustainable fishing and local stewardship. The community hopes to pass down this knowledge to future generations, potentially through a Bajau museum, and increasingly, young people are embracing conservation and marine science.