The Harmony of Komodo and Locals at Komodo Island
Komodo Island is known as the habitat of Varanus Komodoensis or komodo. Actually this island is not only inhabited by these rare animals, but also inhabited by the Tribe Modo. Residents and komodo live together, although it is known as a beast. Curious to see their lives? Come to Komodo Island! Enjoy the natural beauty and the uniqueness of Komodo that reach three meters long.
Komodo is Human Companions
Only in less than 30 years, the Modo Tribe undergoes a livelihood change thrice. They had hunted and gathered, worked as fishermen and became sculptors and sellers of souvenirs. The change of livelihood because the island functioned as a Komodo National Park since 1980. Komodo is designated as an animal protected by the government.
Establishment of Komodo National Park aims to support research, science, education, cultivation support, tourism and recreation. Before the policy came into effect, the population survived by hunting and gathering. Immigrants from sulawesi work as fishermen. The locals gather the gabang from the forest, collect the acid, and hunt the deer. Gabang is a kind of wild tubers in the forest. They look for the food for days in the forest, then process it carefully, to keep it safe for consumption.
The settlements of Komodo residents were still scattered throughout the island. They lived in mountainous areas and beaches. They generally lived in groups based on tribes, such as Komodo, Manggarai, Bajo, Bima, Sumba and others. They live mingle with Komodo. Although known as wild animal and dangerous, residents do not feel threatened. They are used to meet or pass the Komodo. It usually even gather or under their stage houses because of fishy fish smell.
Komodo residents generally still have a very positive view of Komodo. They believe Komodo and humans are twin brothers. They have very close relationship with Komodo. When hunting deer, the head, legs, skin and organs are left for Komodo. They are convinced that the Komodo does not haphazardly attack the citizens. Sometimes people are not aware, if sleeping next the Komodo at the beach. Komodo is not as imaginable. Komodo often strike when its existence is threatened. It will give a signal by issuing a breath sound.
Changes in The Livelihood of Komodo Island Residents
The establishment of Komodo National Park followed the model of Yellowstone National at the United States. By shaping the zoning and forbidding residents to gather and hunt deer, then they looked for fish in the sea. All citizens became fishermen in 1993-1996. Very many species of fish, plankton and coral reefs in the waters of Komodo Island. This island has also been named as one of the best diving spot in the world, based on CNN survey in 2015.
The situation began to change into 1997. Some people started working as artisans of sculpture and souvenirs sellers, so the number of fishermen decreased dramatically. The growing number of tourists makes the business opportunity very tempting. The velocity of money in the sale of statues and souvenirs is much faster than fishing. That’s a glimpse of the story of the community at the Komodo island.
