As the sun began to rise that morning, Mama Linda was already preparing with a basin. Before leaving the house, she ensured that lunch was ready on the dining table, so her children could have breakfast before heading to school.
Mama Linda is one of dozens of Jibu-jibu in Negeri Latuhalat, Ambon City. Each day, she and many other women head to the beach to wait for the fishermen to bring in their catch. Jibu-jibu is a term used in Maluku for women who sell fish. They gather and wait every morning to buy the freshly caught fish from the fishermen at the shoreline.
Interestingly, they typically bring a basin to be filled with fish. The Jibu-jibu then carry these heavy basins on their heads, taking the fish to the market or selling them from village to village. Remarkably, each basin can weigh up to several dozen kilograms.
“It’s common to carry fish this way here. It allows us to carry more fish at once, so we don’t have to make multiple trips,” said Mama Linda.
Mama Linda shared that she has been a Jibu-jibu for ten years, realizing the vital role the ocean plays in the lives of coastal communities. Thanks to her work as a Jibu-jibu, Mama Linda has been able to send her three sons to school, with her eldest even gaining admission to a prestigious university in Ambon.
“The sea has given us so much. Many families here depend on the sea and make a living as jibu-jibu. Because of the sea, we can send our children to school,” said Mama Linda.
Mama Jek, another Jibu-jibu from Negeri Tial, Central Maluku, echoed these sentiments. She explained that protecting the sea by not overfishing is a way to show gratitude to nature.
“We were taught from a young age to take only what we need. Nature will provide more in return. Even now, we only take enough to sustain our daily lives. We are not greedy,” said Mama Jek.
The Jibu-jibu exemplifies how humans and nature can form a harmonious and romantic relationship. They teach us that maintaining the balance of nature is key to a sustainable life.
With their spirit and dedication, these Jibu-jibu not only support their families but also demonstrate that love and gratitude towards nature can bring immeasurable blessings.
