Indigenous stewardship offers systemic pathways for Indonesia's sustainable ocean economy
Original framing: “Indigenous wisdom can guide Indonesia's efforts to build a sustainable ocean economy” — bing news
Indigenous communities in Indonesia, such as the Bajau Laut and Moken, have long practiced sustainable fishing and marine conservation through oral traditions and customary laws. These systems are not merely cultural but represent sophisticated ecological knowledge that has maintained marine biodiversity for centuries.
Indonesia’s Blue Economy cannot succeed without centering indigenous knowledge as a systemic partner.
Historical patterns of colonial resource extraction and legal marginalization continue to undermine indigenous stewardship. Cross-culturally, indigenous marine governance systems offer proven models for sustainability that align with scientific evidence and spiritual ethics. Future pathways must include legal recognition, co-management, and funding for indigenous-led conservation. By integrating these dimensions, Indonesia can build a marine economy that is not only sustainable but also just and culturally rooted.