00:00:01,25 “The Last Nomads (Logo)”

00:00:4,26 “of the Sulu Sea”

00:00:07,13 “by Claudio Sieber”

00:00:13,28 “En voyage towards an inauspicious future, the Bajau continue guarding the ancient bond between humans and the sea.”

00:00:22,13 “For about half a millennium, these sea nomads

have been roaming across the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea.”

00:00:30,29 “With the establishment of national frontiers by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, their autonomy has been suppressed ever since.”

00:00:39,13 “Disregarding maritime borders and legislation, thousands have set sails for Malaysia to escape the uprising in Western Mindanao, Philippines since the 70's.”

00:00:47,29 “As they are prohibited from immigrating, they gather in offshore communities near Borneo's coastline,

pursuing their self-sufficient and frugal lifestyle.”

00:01:52,11 “Asli and his stateless family are amidst the last seafarers who refuse to 'abandon ship' and adapt to a contemporary life outside their nourishing seascape.”

00:02:01,14 “«Rilaut kaalumman ta» We dedicate our lives to the sea”

1

00:02:32,986 --> 00:02:34,988

My name is Asli.

2

00:02:35,088 --> 00:02:37,690

Long ago, I migrated from the Philippines to Semporna...

3

00:02:37,957 --> 00:02:41,261

... due to the challenges of living at sea in the Philippines.

4

00:02:41,494 --> 00:02:44,497

The strong winds and rough waves made it difficult.

5

00:02:44,697 --> 00:02:48,301

Whereas Semporna provides a favorable environment for our livelihood.

6

00:02:48,801 --> 00:02:50,770

Even when venturing out to sea,

7

00:02:50,803 --> 00:02:53,806

... we encounter no significant difficulties;

8

00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:56,342

We can sustain ourselves comfortably here.

9

00:03:56,035 --> 00:04:02,141

We are now heading out to the reef,

10

00:04:05,211 --> 00:04:07,714

... where we'll be scouting for fish, hence our meal.

11

00:04:08,414 --> 00:04:11,417

When spotting something suitable, I'll use my speargun.

12

00:04:11,784 --> 00:04:15,622

Whatever we encounter will become our prey.

13

00:04:32,338 --> 00:04:35,375

We came here to seek livelihood, please don't interfere.

14

00:04:35,441 --> 00:04:37,944

This is your share, from your descendants.

15

00:04:38,144 --> 00:04:41,214

I hope you won't disturb us;

16

00:04:41,281 --> 00:04:45,118

this is my share for you.

17

00:05:06,105 --> 00:05:11,144

I'm not a Malaysian citizen; My ancestors are from Palau.

18

00:05:11,277 --> 00:05:14,547

We are accustomed to living anywhere.

19

00:05:14,547 --> 00:05:17,917

At sea, I feel most comfortable.

20

00:05:18,918 --> 00:05:22,121

I have no abilities to work on land.

21

00:05:22,288 --> 00:05:24,157

... but out here, I can harness my skills.

22

00:05:24,223 --> 00:05:25,925

At sea I feel at home.

23

00:05:26,025 --> 00:05:27,860

That is our cultural norm.

24

00:05:27,860 --> 00:05:29,962

Uncomfortable on land, but accustomed to the sea.

25

00:05:29,962 --> 00:05:31,397

The waters are our home.

26

00:06:31,624 --> 00:06:36,829

We're very grateful for the good catch today.

27

00:06:41,934 --> 00:06:42,668

Ok then.

28

00:06:50,643 --> 00:06:54,080

We have just finished spearfishing at the reef.

29

00:06:54,147 --> 00:06:55,548

- What did you catch?

30

00:06:55,915 --> 00:06:58,217

We caught a stingray!

31

00:06:58,284 --> 00:07:00,486

This is what we've managed to catch.

32

00:07:04,223 --> 00:07:06,559

My name is Jamariah.

33

00:07:07,126 --> 00:07:11,130

I was born in the Philippines.

34

00:07:11,697 --> 00:07:15,168

After the passing of my parents,

35

00:07:15,802 --> 00:07:24,977

... I relocated from Bongao to Malaysia by crossing the ocean.

36

00:07:25,478 --> 00:07:29,949

I prayed to Tuhan (the Lord of the Sea) and my ancestors for my safety

37

00:07:30,316 --> 00:07:33,352

...due to strong winds and massive waves.

38

00:07:34,053 --> 00:07:39,258

I am grateful as I sought prayers and forgiveness.

39

00:07:39,459 --> 00:07:42,595

Eventually, I arrived in Malaysia.

40

00:07:42,595 --> 00:07:49,235

I migrated because my life near the Philippine reefs was frequently disrupted.

41

00:07:49,836 --> 00:07:52,839

However, in Malaysia, I found my peace.

42

00:07:53,072 --> 00:07:55,908

That's why I made the decision to settle here.

43

00:08:03,149 --> 00:08:06,552

Our sole focus is food; this is our only concern.

44

00:08:06,752 --> 00:08:09,789

We may not possess much, but our living conditions are sufficient.

45

00:08:36,782 --> 00:08:38,818

My name is Skandeyong.

46

00:08:39,151 --> 00:08:41,420

I was born on Tatagan Island.

47

00:08:41,621 --> 00:08:44,991

I learned how to build boats from my father.

48

00:08:45,558 --> 00:08:48,227

Now, this is how I make a living.

49

00:08:48,928 --> 00:08:52,331

This boat will be used for fishing.

50

00:08:53,266 --> 00:08:57,270

It doesn't require an engine, just manual rowing.

51

00:08:57,937 --> 00:09:03,442

Due to our financial constraints, we are unable to purchase one anyway.

52

00:09:03,976 --> 00:09:08,381

We desire to be settled here; we do not want to move elsewhere.

53

00:09:08,681 --> 00:09:11,317

Leaving this place, we would endure hardship.

54

00:09:11,884 --> 00:09:15,888

Here, we have a steady water supply, and food is available just around the corner.

55

00:09:16,455 --> 00:09:19,292

Our lives would be at risk if we returned to the Philippines.

56

00:09:19,792 --> 00:09:21,327

But here, we are comfortable.

57

00:09:21,761 --> 00:09:22,295

Fishing.

58

00:09:22,662 --> 00:09:23,996

Casting nets.

59

00:09:24,630 --> 00:09:25,998

That's how we survive.

60

00:09:38,344 --> 00:09:40,580

Our children are not permitted to attend school.

61

00:09:40,846 --> 00:09:42,415

I wish they could get education,

62

00:09:42,481 --> 00:09:44,183

... but sadly, that's not possible.

63

00:10:34,700 --> 00:10:39,438

During the day, my family rows the boat further out to the coral reef,

64

00:10:39,672 --> 00:10:45,711

... where they search for sea grapes (Lato) and sea clams.

65

00:10:46,045 --> 00:10:49,181

We'll sell their finds later in Semporna to buy essentials.

66

00:10:52,818 --> 00:10:55,254

You, who are below us, please refrain from reproaching us.

67

00:10:55,454 --> 00:10:57,456

We come with pure hearts and intention.

68

00:10:57,523 --> 00:10:59,225

Please protect us.

69

00:10:59,892 --> 00:11:03,162

This is your share, coming from your descendants.

70

00:11:18,677 --> 00:11:23,582

With ample food nearby, there's no need for further migration.

71

00:11:23,849 --> 00:11:27,386

If fish are absent, relocation becomes inevitable.

72

00:11:42,735 --> 00:11:46,672

If we are lazy, we will not be able to feed ourselves.

73

00:11:47,406 --> 00:11:52,278

Our survival depends on our ability to adapt to the challenges we encounter.

74

00:12:58,577 --> 00:13:01,180

My name is Nitel.

75

00:13:01,747 --> 00:13:04,150

I migrated once to this area with my large boat.

76

00:13:04,150 --> 00:13:05,818

Now its engine is broken.

77

00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:12,892

If I can afford it, I buy wood,

78

00:13:13,325 --> 00:13:18,497

... so I can continue building a home for my family.

79

00:13:19,365 --> 00:13:28,140

I aimed to become a proficient carpenter to contribute to the community.

80

00:13:28,974 --> 00:13:33,779

I was often going around scouting for someone...

81

00:13:33,913 --> 00:13:38,150

... who could teach me the craft.

82

00:13:38,317 --> 00:13:44,256

Some carpenters then introduced me to the process of building a stilt house.

83

00:13:44,857 --> 00:13:52,198

Gradually, I developed my carpentry skills until I felt confident to build my house.

84

00:13:52,364 --> 00:13:55,901

Upon its completion, I will have the opportunity to secure additional employment.

85

00:13:55,901 --> 00:13:58,537

I have already been approached to build a boat,

86

00:13:58,604 --> 00:14:00,873

... which will provide me with extra funds for my house.

87

00:14:01,006 --> 00:14:03,576

Eventually, my carpentry skills allow me to establish my own home.

88

00:14:09,982 --> 00:14:13,953

Fishing and casting nets into the sea are essentially all we need to survive,

89

00:14:13,953 --> 00:14:16,655

... as the catch becomes our sustenance.

90

00:14:17,523 --> 00:14:21,694

Meanwhile, the wages earned from my craft will contribute to the construction.

91

00:14:23,929 --> 00:14:29,001

Once my house is finished, my family will move in.

92

00:14:29,602 --> 00:14:32,671

I'm looking forward to this cheerful moment.

93

00:14:33,539 --> 00:14:38,410

Later we can continue to strengthen the community,

94

00:14:38,410 --> 00:14:41,747

... by assisting one another.

95

00:14:41,914 --> 00:14:44,450

... which will automatically lead to happiness and joy.

96

00:14:58,397 --> 00:15:06,872

I am content because we live here together as a community.

97

00:15:06,872 --> 00:15:08,807

As long as we don't get evicted,

98

00:15:09,341 --> 00:15:11,176

... we feel untroubled.

99

00:15:12,344 --> 00:15:17,583

Simply being here brings us happiness.

100

00:15:20,552 --> 00:15:24,089

But if we are forced to leave, it's beyond our control.

00:15:49,09 “The majority of Bajau residing in the fast-expanding

settlement Bangau Bangau (in Semporna) are native to the Malaysian side of the Sulu Sea tri-border area.”

00:15:55,19 “In contrast to the Bajau who originated from the Philippine region, they enjoy Malaysian citizenship, hence access to jobs and the education system. However, the Malay still consider them outcasts.”

00:17:20,07 “As the nationless Bajau are steadily drawn closer to Borneo's marketplace, they find themselves grappling with the rapid pace of industrialization. Until now, none of them profit from the country's prosperity.”

00:17:49,01 “The Last Nomads (Logo)”

00:17:52,03 “of the Sulu Sea”

00:17:54,17 “by Claudio Sieber”

00:19:06,06 “Special Thanks to;