Saproken, the fishing village

Sun, 10/19/2008 10:59 AM  |  Lifestyle

A black shadow appearing on Saproken waters in Raja Ampat, Papua moved here and there, a contrast to the still and quiet vegetation surrounding the water. Nothing spooky, the black shadow was a school of small black fish, locally known as Aci-aci and Bobara. There were thousands of them.

Cheerful faces of Saproken children were seen amid boisterous laughter when the shadow suddenly dispersed. The fish had taken the bait. Saproken beach and pier are never deserted since Saproken villagers, young and old alike, love fishing and fish off the wooden piers built along the shore almost every day. Fishing -- with simple traditional bamboo, thread and bait -- is not a seasonal activity, it is a daily pastime.

Some use small wooden boats, katingting, to fish. A few years ago, explosives and nets were widely used until some green groups came and local goverment made strong appeals to the villagers, educating them on the destruction they might cause by using such methods.

Using nets is not allowed now since it can disturb the fish population. Their traditional style of fishing is the best option for Saproken villagers if they are to live in harmony with nature.

-- JP/Arief Suhardiman

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