It is difficult for the Orang Laut to understand the concept of protecting endangered species such as turtles. Apart from the flesh, the other parts of the turtle are also highly valued. Turtle shells are believed to possess supernatural qualities, and are carved into bangles, pendants and combs. Concerned for my safe journey through the archipelago, Suri and Boat, a sister and brother from Pulau Nanga, gave me a turtle-shell bangle. Boat explained why I should wear it for protection:
Evil people can poison you by offering you food and drink spiked with poison. If you wear this bangle and hold a glass of beverage spiked with poison, this bangle will crack immediately to warn you of the impending danger.
Although turtles are prized items for the Orang Laut, they will always release and return to the sea a turtle whose shell is inscribed with a person’s name. The inscription on the turtle’s shell serves as a sign of someone else’s claim on the turtle. It would be dosa (‘sinful’) for anyone else to kill such a turtle, and misfortune would befall them.
Chou, C. (2009). The Orang Suku Laut of Riau, Indonesia: the inalienable gift of territory. Routledge.
