The Bajo Tribe of Indonesia, People Who Can Walk in the Sea

One of the extraordinary abilities of the Bajo tribe is their diving skills. 

Without modern equipment such as oxygen tanks, they can dive to depths of 20–30 meters and stay underwater for 3–5 minutes.

Some researchers have even found that the Bajo people have unique physiological adaptations: their spleens are larger than average, allowing their bodies to store more oxygen while diving. 

This is clear evidence of how their lifestyle is truly integrated with the sea, both physically and culturally.

4. Nomadic Life (Sea Nomads)

Although many now settle in one place, some Bajo tribes still practice the tradition of nomadic life at sea.

They move from one island to another following the fishing season or sea conditions. Their traditional boats, called lepa-lepa, are not only a means of transportation but also serve as their homes. 

Inside, there are sleeping quarters, cooking areas, and storage spaces for their catch. This lifestyle shows how closely they are connected to the sea, not only as a source of food but also as their true home.

Bajo Tribe Culture

The Bajo tribe's culture is closely related to the sea, not only as a source of livelihood, but also as part of their identity and beliefs. 

Here are some unique things you need to know about the language and culture of the Bajo tribe:

Having Their Own Language

The Bajo tribe uses the Bajo language, which belongs to the Austronesian language family. This language has several different dialects depending on the location of the community, such as in Wakatobi, Buton, and Kalimantan. In addition, they also usually speak other languages such as Bugis, Makassar, or Indonesian.

Traditional Ceremonies Before Going to Sea

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