For centuries, the Sea People, which consist of ethnic group communities such as the Sama Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) and the Orang Suku Laut Riau, have roamed the waters of Southeast Asia, forging a deep connection with the ocean that predates modern nation-states. Historically, they played a vital role in maritime trade, security, and governance. However, today, they face marginalization, displacement, and criminalization.
As maritime security, sovereignty disputes, and illegal fishing dominate regional discourse, policymakers and international organizations must acknowledge a critical gap in their approach: the systematic exclusion of ocean-dependent communities, the Sea People, from governance frameworks. Rather than being passive subjects of conservation laws and state policies, the Sea People should be recognized as key stakeholders in regional maritime stability.
If ASEAN governments, conservation groups, and security actors fail to address this issue, they risk erasing a centuries-old maritime culture and weakening their capacity to protect marine biodiversity and territorial waters.
Beyond Migration: The Sea People as Historical Defenders of Maritime Security
One of the greatest misconceptions about the Sea People is the belief that they have always been migrants due to war, poverty, or displacement. This overly simplistic narrative ignores their deep historical contributions to regional security and governance.
During the pre- and colonial era, the Sea People were not passive victims but active naval forces – strengthening and defending local monarchies (sultanates and kingdoms) in the Sulu Archipelago, Coastal Borneo, and Riau-Lingga from colonial invasions.
The Srivijaya Empire, for example, entrusted the Sea People from South Barito with trade missions – acting as what modern terminology might describe as “freight shippers” – to South China via the Makassar Strait and the Sulu Archipelago.
Historians like Oliver Wolters found that the Sea People contributed significantly to establishing relationships between the Srivijaya Empire and the maritime forces of the South China Sea. They also played a crucial role in maintaining the empire’s existence and ensuring the safety of its sovereignty from foreign attacks.
This historical reality challenges the post-colonial mindset that views indigenous maritime communities as lawless drifters or underdeveloped societies. Recognizing their historical agency means shifting from a security-driven, exclusionary policy approach to one that integrates them as strategic partners in maritime security.
The Enduring Role of the Sea People in Marine Conservation
Regardless of historical discourse emphasizing the Sea People’s role in shaping the political landscape of Southeast Asia, they continue to play a crucial role in the post-colonial era, particularly in marine conservation, protecting ecosystems from destructive fishing activities and illegal trafficking.
In the waters of Sabah, Malaysia, for instance, the WWF has observed that the Sea People exemplify sustainable marine stewardship. Their extensive traditional knowledge of marine ecosystems – including species behavior and habitat dynamics – enables them to engage in responsible fishing. This deep understanding not only sustains their way of life but also contributes significantly to marine conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, in the waters of the Derawan Archipelago, Indonesia, members of the Sea People involved in the turtle conservation group Maratua Peduli Penyu, in collaboration with the East Kalimantan Air and Water Police, successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2,200 turtle eggs, which were intended for illegal trade in Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan.
Forced Displacement and the Erasure of Maritime Identity
Despite their historical role in defending maritime sovereignty and their current role in conservation efforts, a large portion of Sea People today are excluded from security frameworks and face forced displacement. Thousands of Sea People have been forcibly relocated to land under the pretext of “development,” “livelihood improvement,” “social integration,” and “threats.”
A key example is the displacement of the Orang Laut Riau under Suharto’s authoritarian regime. The Indonesian government justified their relocation from sea to land by saying it would improve their living conditions and integrate them into a unified nation. However, this policy overlooked their nomadic traditions and animistic belief systems. Consequently, the relocation process disrupted social structures, contributed to economic instability, and increased instances of domestic violence and poverty among the displaced population.
Beyond the stated objectives of integration and development, relocation policies also served broader economic and political interests. The transformation of the Riau’s maritime spaces into high-value economic zones under the SIJORI (Singapore, Johor, and Riau) Growth Triangle suggests that the displacement of indigenous maritime communities was not merely about social integration but also about facilitating large-scale economic investments and industrial expansion.
Solution: Rethinking Maritime Citizenship and Inclusive Maritime Governance
A significant challenge in policymaking is the rigid land-based notion of nationality and governance. The Sea People are inherently transnational, navigating the waters of Southeast Asia without strict allegiance to any state. Their traditional way of life does not fit modern legal frameworks that require fixed borders and permanent residence.
Statelessness, lack of access to legal protections, and forced settlement programs have made the Sea People vulnerable to displacement and exclusion.
If ASEAN governments, conservation organizations, and international security actors are committed to a sustainable and equitable future for Southeast Asia’s oceans, they must reassess their approach to ocean-dependent communities. Policies that prioritize economic growth, conservation, and security must also recognize and protect the rights of indigenous maritime populations, ensuring that they are included in the decision-making processes that shape their futures.
At the regional level, for example, policymakers should begin legally recognizing maritime identities for the Sea People who roam the Southeast Asian waters. This initiative should be adapted into the national legislation with tangible actions, not merely on paper, to ensure they have access to fundamental rights and protection. In addition, policymakers should take steps to prevent statelessness among the Sea People and promote awareness of their instrumental history and role in conservation and maintaining marine biodiversity. By doing so, prejudice and discrimination against them can be reduced.
Many of these communities have lived in the region’s waters for centuries, yet without legal recognition, they remain vulnerable to forced displacement and restrictions on their traditional way of life. Protecting their rights to movement, residency, and resource access should be a fundamental part of inclusive regional maritime governance.
Finally, the Sea People are not relics of the past, nor are they obstacles to development. They are key players in ensuring maritime security, ecological balance, and the preservation of Southeast Asia’s maritime heritage.