“Manggurebe”: A War Cry Used by Maluku Youth Communities to Fight Climate Change
- October 8, 2024
by: Zaki Tristi
The sound of coarse, rugged volcanic dark sand of Tehoru coastline brushed by the waves broke the still evening. A slight drizzling rain greeted us, unbothered, who were waiting for the fishers to come home from the open ocean. Once we saw their silhouettes, the still beach turned bustling with groups of jibu-jibu[1] waiting for purse seine boats to dock, bringing fresh fish for the market.
Tehoru is a village located in Seram; an island with an area that can cover half of Belgium. A group of young people across the island gathered in this village to address challenges their community face caused by climate change. They are participants of the “SELAT (Sekolah Lapang Tatihu, abbv.) Muda Maluku”, a training program initiated by MDPI to build youth’s awareness of climate change and sustainable fisheries. In Indonesian, “SELAT Muda Maluku” can roughly translate to ‘A Field Training Program for Young Coastal Communities’ that was held in Maluku Province.
For six days, from May 14 to 19, 2024, these participants engaged in various activities designed to enhance their knowledge and skills on crucial environmental issues that will shape their future and that of future generations.
It is not an easy task to attract Gen Zs and Millennials, given the short attention span they have due to the fast-paced digital lifestyle they adapt to. However, in contrast with the mainstream negative portrayal of Gen Z and Millennials, their enthusiasm and spirit to grow were evident from the very first day, making the challenges faded away on their own. This program didn’t just deliver material through presentations; it also engaged participants directly in fieldwork, group activities, and various interactive methods.
A young writer from Ambon, who was also one of the participants of SELAT Muda Maluku, Candra, admitted that he was initially hesitant to join. “I thought this would be another regular training filled with lectures of theories,” he said with a smile.
However, all his doubts disappeared when he saw the learning method applied. “The program had us went directly to the field, to see and experience firsthand the impact of climate change on coastal communities. The experience itself truly opened my eyes.”
During the six-day SELAT Muda Maluku training, participants were immersed in hands-on learning, gathering data directly in the field, expressing their ideas through visual media, and engaging in deep discussions. Each day concluded with reflection sessions, where facilitators and mentors reviewed the day’s activities to ensure they remained impactful and focused. This dynamic approach to education energized the participants, helping them maintain engagement and enthusiasm throughout.
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Citra, a fisheries champion[2] from Tehoru, shared her transformative experience. “I’ve always cared about the environment but didn’t know where to start. SELAT Muda Maluku gave me the tools and insight to make a real difference in my community,” she said, radiating optimism. Citra now aims to use her newfound knowledge to inspire her village toward sustainable fishing practices—a cause increasingly critical as climate change threatens their way of life.
Participant recruitment for SELAT Muda Maluku was meticulous, ensuring that each individual had both the motivation and community influence necessary to drive change. Those selected hailed from key coastal areas, including Tehoru, Buru Regency, Ambon City, and Masohi City, bringing diverse backgrounds and expertise to enrich the discussions and fieldwork. Their cultural and geographical differences have created a rich exchange of perspectives and ideas.
By the program’s end, participants forged a powerful network of peers committed to supporting one another in promoting sustainable fisheries. “We are the generation that will face the most severe impacts of climate change. We must act now,” urged Anti, a participant who traveled an arduous route by land and sea from the remote village of Sole in West Seram Regency to attend.
With determination in her voice, Anti explained how she planned to share what she learned with her father, a fisher, and support him in the battle against climate-driven challenges at sea. “Now, I finally understand his struggles,” she added.
But the work doesn’t end with the conclusion of SELAT Muda Maluku. Participants left with a mandate: to transform their ideas into tangible actions back home. Over the next three months, they will implement their projects, with the option to work individually or in groups.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, each plan will be supported by facilitators, who will offer guidance on creating practical, community-based programs. Every project proposals will undergo a thorough review process by the facilitator team to refine the ideas and ensure they are feasible and impactful.
Arroyan Suwarno, MDPI’s Fisheries Community Organization Coordinator and the lead facilitator of the program, was struck by the creativity and potential of the participants’ proposals. “There’s no such thing as a bad idea. Often, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning the approach or the execution to make it fit the local context,” Suwarno said.
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One standout idea came from Agus, a school principal in Yaputih Village in Central Maluku; also a part of the vast Seram Island. Inspired by the SELAT Muda experience, he developed a plan to launch a climate awareness campaign targeting students and young people in the region.
“We are going to engage the youth from several coastal villages in southern Seram to spread awareness about climate change. This is one of the many ideas I’ve gained from the six days we spent here,” he explained, filled with excitement for the future.
The SELAT Muda Maluku training has proven that with the right approach: young people can be motivated to take an active role in environmental stewardship. The passion and dedication of the participants offer a hopeful glimpse into the future of sustainable fisheries in Maluku, where these young leaders will play a critical role in driving change.
MDPI, the organization behind the program, envisions SELAT Muda expanding further, reaching more young people and cultivating a generation that is both aware and willing to act on the challenges facing their environment.
Nilam Ratna, MDPI’s Fisheries Community Organization Lead, emphasized the importance of empowering this generation to take the reins in the fight against climate change. “Through this program, MDPI hopes these young leaders understand the profound connection between climate change and sustainable fisheries. These young people are not only future leaders but also the ones who will feel the most significant effects if we don’t take action,” she said. Nilam also expressed optimism about expanding the program to other regions, recognizing the urgency of spreading this knowledge across Maluku’s coastal communities before it’s too late.
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[1] Jibu-Jibu is a local term for female fishmonger in Maluku.
[2] Fisheries Champion is on of MDPI’s project to create catalysts of change in the coastal community.
