Natives of Torasiaje, Tribel Bajo, have many
experiences sailing on the sea. Historically, they came from Malacca Strait to
find missing princess. King of Bajo commanded some of them shipping to
Indonesia. After a long time, her daughter was found in Bone Empire (South
Sulawesi) and married with its prince. Therefore, some of Bajo’s ethnics stayed
in Indonesia.
Currently, traveler can find a lot of floating
houses. Since 1926, more than 245 buildings was exsisted and occupied by 1,200
dwellers. To prevent building’s damage from natural factors, such as sea water, animal and other seaweed, woods were
used for dominant materials. Jak Sompah, Village Chief, said that government supported
the existence of Torasiaje. Ten houses a year had planned to build for low
income communities.
Moreover, ship is used to move from one place
to another. It’s extremely helpful as main transportation. Its cost is only IDR
5,000 each trip. It has length about 2.5-3 meter but capable to carry 10-12
persons.
All of these reasons, histories of Bajo,
floating buildings and unique transportations, made me feel so amezed. I will
never forget this moment.
