An exploration of the life stories of the island people (Orang Pulo), who remain absent from Indonesian historical records. The narrative begins with the trade routes of the Dutch colonial era and extends to tales of warriors who once fought against pirates. These fragments of memory are gathered from the recollections of a woman whose presence is now regarded as myth.

A Journey of Island People (Mendayung Di Atas Karang)

Documentary / 29 min / 2024 / Indonesia

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This project is an effort to archive and document knowledge through the memories of the residents about the history of the island people (Orang Pulo) who live on small islands such as Pramuka Island, Panggang Island, and Karya Island, located about two hours from the capital city, Jakarta.

For approximately one month, I worked closely with the residents to uncover stories about the history and myths circulating within the community. The stories we gathered are part of their daily lives and remain a cornerstone of Pulo culture to this day. Through interviews, workshops, and other collaborative methods, we created spaces that opened possibilities for shared authorship and collective storytelling.

Like many regions in Indonesia, spirituality is deeply rooted in the life journey of the Pulo people. In this context, traditional spiritual beliefs coexist with Islamic values, shaping the survival and growth of the community alongside local wisdom. This unique combination has given the Orang Pulo their own strategies of endurance—from the era of kingdoms to the present moment of capitalist domination.

However, not many people are aware of the stories behind these islands. The government often views this region primarily as a tourist destination, without giving serious attention to Orang Pulo culture and history. Producing this film together with the community, and creating a character based on their myths to narrate the story, becomes a way of revealing hidden histories and revisiting their ancestors.

Review by Festival Film Documentary

A Journey of Island People: Traces of Colonialism in the Surface of Panggang Island’s Corals