PAPUA - The role of village mothers in Papua is not only limited to household affairs, but also to be the front line in maintaining environmental sustainability.
These women are maintaining the coastal ecosystem to remain sustainable, while ensuring that sources of livelihood remain available for the next generation.
As in Kampung Enggros or Injros, Jayapura City, the existence of mangrove forests is an important part of the daily lives of women.
After completing their homework, the mothers there usually head to the mangrove area to look for fish, shrimp, crabs, and clams. This activity makes the mangrove forest a source of livelihood as well as a social space for them.
The village, which is located in Youtefa Bay, is inhabited by hundreds of families and can only be reached by land to the coast, then continued by motor boat for about 10 minutes along the mangrove area.
In the village, some areas can only be accessed on foot or by small boat.
One of the figures who is actively moving to preserve mangrove forests is Petronela Merauje. He consistently invites women in his village to maintain and replant mangroves along the coast.
For him, mangrove forests are not only a natural protector from abrasion, but also an economic source for mothers who depend on marine products. In addition, the area is a typical social interaction space for Enggros women.
"Even in that place, sometimes we tell stories until we laugh out loud without being afraid that someone will hear it besides us," he said, as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, March 31.
Interestingly, the mangrove forest in Enggros is a special space for women. Men are not allowed to enter, so this area is a safe place for moms to work and share stories.
The spirit of preserving mangrove forests is also encouraged by the desire for this tradition to remain alive. The women hope that their grandchildren can still feel the benefits and continue the habit of looking for seafood in the area.
"So that our daughters can continue the tradition of finding seafood in the mangrove forest," said Petronela.
Conservation efforts are carried out by replanting mangrove seedlings obtained independently. The mangrove seeds are collected, sown in polybags, then replanted after growing shoots. This method is carried out on an ongoing basis to ensure that coastal areas remain green and productive.
In addition to maintaining the environment, mangrove forests are also a cultural learning space. Professor of Anthropology at Cenderawasih University, Fredrik Sokoy, called this area "ton weyat", which means an invitation to the mangrove forest, a special space for women to learn life values.
In this place, women not only look for seafood, but also pass on the values of togetherness, responsibility, and politeness to the younger generation.
Mama-mama Enggros' efforts to maintain the mangrove forest are a real example of how local wisdom is able to maintain the balance between the environment, culture, and social life. The sustainability of this area is also expected to be maintained so that the benefits can be felt in the future.
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