Empowering Indonesian Women: Preserving Age-Old Seaweed Traditions Amid Climate Change

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are two islands in Indonesia where women have harvested seaweed for generations. This tradition is now facing threats from climate change and rapid tourism development.

Nyoman Mitri, known as Ibu Mitri, is one of the seaweed cultivators on Nusa Penida. She’s been farming seaweed in the shallow waters for years. “It never used to be like this,” she says, reflecting on the changes she has witnessed in just the last decade. “Increased rainfall and storms are damaging our seaweed.”

Ibu Mitri’s days are filled with hard work, tying strands of seaweed to ropes and sharing her knowledge with curious tourists. “We used to rely on the seasons,” she mentions, lamenting the lack of predictability that climate change has brought. Instead of picking seaweed based on routine, she now contends with storms that could obliterate her crops.

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan have long been known for their beautiful landscapes and marine life, but their seaweed farming traditions date back centuries. With climate change encroaching, Ibu Mitri and other local women now face a tough decision: how to maintain their traditions while adapting to a changing world.

In Indonesia, seaweed is an important export, valued at over $1 billion in 2021, with significant demand from countries like Japan and the U.S. One popular variety, Kappaphycus alvarezii, is recognized for its use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Ibu Mitri also mentions a worrying trend of a virus targeting seaweed crops. “We’ve seen a higher rate of die-off during heavy rains,” she explains. This pattern stresses the need for careful management of the coastal ecosystem, especially as tourism often means building on mangroves, which helps protect against erosion.

Interestingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many women returned to seaweed cultivation as tourism plummeted. Their harvests provided necessary income for their families. “Seaweed became a lifeline,” says Ibu Mitri, emphasizing its importance during tough times.

As tourism is rebounding, some women have returned to hospitality work, but many choose to stay with seaweed farming. It allows them to work alongside their children while passing down traditional skills. “We can earn money and teach our kids,” shares a woman on Nusa Lembongan. This flexible work offers a unique balance for families.

Local women are not just focused on seaweed; they’re also looking to protect their environment. Working with NGOs, Ibu Mitri and others are involved in coral restoration projects, adapting their farming techniques to help the ecosystem. This collaboration demonstrates that they care for both their heritage and the environment.

As climate change continues to impact the region, the demand for seaweed as a sustainable resource is growing. From being a crucial food source to a potential alternative for plastics, seaweed plays a vital role in addressing environmental challenges. According to David Jose Vivas Eugui from the UNCTAD, women now lead about 40% of Indonesia’s seaweed startups, highlighting their critical influence in this sector.

Overall, while storm clouds gather over Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, local women like Ibu Mitri remain resilient. They adapt, share knowledge, and keep their traditions alive. Their strength is a beacon of hope as they weather the changes brought on by both nature and human activity.

Maddy Bolt is a scientist and writer based in Indonesia, committed to empowering local communities through ocean education and conservation efforts.

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