Life in and Within Transition: The dynamics of livelihood, identity and governance of Sea Nomads in Southeast Asia

This ethnographic-based research article explores the intricate transition from nomadic aquapelagic lifestyles to situated marine governance among Southeast Asian Sea Nomads (Sama-Bajau, Orang Suku Laut, Urak Lawoi and Moken). It highlights how, despite physical sedentarisation, a resilient nomadic mindset endures through adaptive practices such as seasonal migration that enable these communities to swiftly navigate socio-ecological challenges. The current situation of Sea Nomads becomes critical when understood in relation to governance and potential conflicts that demand nuanced exploration. On land, Sea Nomads encounter myriad challenges, including discrimination in terms of land access and broader developmental concerns. At sea, the designation of protected marine areas poses challenges to their traditional aquapelagic livelihood patterns, preservation of local wisdom and access to sacred marine spaces. Temporary shelters in the forms of babaroh, bagad and saphaw, which are constructed in littoral areas, create the dynamics of accessibility to both the seascape and landscape. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the socio-ecological dynamics and multifaceted dimensions of intricate interplay between traditions and modernity in contemporary Sea Nomads. The article also contributes to the general study of aquapelagic societies by examining their reaction to governmental attempts to standardise the bases of their livelihoods and lifestyles with regard to terrestrial norms.