By Arif Darmawan | Site Manager in Karimata
Storytelling has served as humanity's bridge across cultures and generations, conveying knowledge, values, and insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. It makes sense to use the power of storytelling to strengthen our relationships and work with communities.
Since June 2023, field facilitators have been helping communities record their experiences in the form of short stories. It is a system that can share valuable insights with our whole organization, ensuring that challenges can be addressed and opportunities seized.
To date, we have collected over 130 stories. Below is one from Arif, Our site manager on the island of Karimata.
Story #32: Semah Laut: A Tradition Sustaining the Seas
Pulau Karimata, (Karimata Island), is home to the Melayu and Bugis communities, who live in harmony amidst the island’s rich cultural heritage. Among the Melayu people, one of the most cherished traditions is Semah Laut, a ritual believed to ward off misfortune and ensure prosperity for the community.
According to Datuk Ridwan, a local elder, Semah Laut has been passed down for generations. The ritual begins with a meeting of traditional leaders and shamans. Participants then visit sacred sites across Pulau Karimata Besar, including Tanjung Ru and Sungai Abon, where symbolic "battles" between shamans are performed. These playful encounters, where shamans attempt to push each other into the water, symbolize prosperity and protection for their villages.
During the ritual, community members refrain from fishing or cutting trees, offering the environment a brief respite from human activity. In the past, these prohibitions could last up to three days, but they have shortened over time.
While Semah Laut is deeply spiritual, local leaders recognize its potential environmental benefits, such as giving marine ecosystems time to recover. These observations, though promising, require further study to confirm their impact.
Amid modern challenges like climate change, the people of Pulau Karimata continue to adapt this tradition. For them, Semah Laut is more than a ritual—it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and their enduring connection to the sea.
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