Zausiyah’s Daily Fishing Routine

Leaving her hut that hovered on stilts above crystal blue water, Zausiyah embarks on her daily fishing routine at sunrise. She gracefully settles into her boat, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the tranquil waters below.

With precision and patience, Zausiyah rows out to the vast expanse of the sea, her keen eyes scanning the clear water for signs of fish. Finding a promising spot, she secures her paddle, deftly baits four hooks, and casts her line into the depths of the Molucca Sea in Indonesia.

Each throw into the abyss holds a promise of sustenance. Sometimes the hooks return empty, a testament to the unpredictability of the sea. Yet, there are days when Zausiyah’s skill and perseverance pay off, and she hauls in a bountiful catch of four fish in a single throw.

“Fishing is not merely a means of livelihood for us, the Bajo people; it is our way of life,” reflects Zausiyah, a stalwart figure in these waters. “I took up fishing when my husband lost his sight. It is a challenging vocation, but it is our lifeline.”

Before the sun reaches its zenith, Zausiyah retraces her path homeward, the rhythmic paddling guiding her back to her stilted abode. Her dwelling is one among a cluster that dots the cerulean waters off the eastern coast of Sulawesi. Beneath each home, wooden boats gently sway, while shellfish dangle from strings and sea cucumbers are laid out to dry under the scorching tropical sun.

Zausiyah’s dedication to her craft is evident in the way she navigates the waters, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Bajo people. As the day draws to a close, she returns to shore, her canoe laden with the day’s catch, a humble bounty from the vast and unfathomable sea.