Kendari, SE Sulawesi, May 1 -- The Bajau Tribe in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, plays an important role in maintaining the local biosphere reserve, according to an official at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

The ministry's Director of Cultural Development and Utilization, Irini Dewi Wanti, said on Wednesday that the Bajau community has a proven record of preserving the sea, based on the archipelago's rich maritime traditions.

"Many narratives depict the Bajau Tribe as the guardians of the sea," Wanti remarked while opening a focus group discussion (FGD) with the Bajau people. "We hope to ensure the continuation of these traditions."

She emphasized that people who understand marine preservation and biospher...