Indonesian Conservation
By: Meldus Tami and Ni Putu Ary Pratiwi
Kaliuda village, at the tip of Sumba Island, appears tranquil, surrounded by crashing waves and stretches of seaweed farms stretching to the horizon. It is in this coastal village that Christiani Valentine Salean, affectionately known as Mama Miguel, takes her first steps.
Since marrying and settling in Kaliuda in 2017, he has been active in various village activities. But a pivotal moment in his life came in 2024, when the residents entrusted him to lead the Manandang Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes). This was a significant responsibility, as the organization had previously been operating at a snail's pace.
"Honestly, I was a bit skeptical. This organization wasn't working before, but I believe anything can be built as long as the will is strong. If we don't care, who will?" he said with a smile. With the support of his secretary and treasurer, he chose a simple approach: starting a community-focused business, starting with the buying and selling of unhusked rice, paddy, and rice, developing ikat weaving, and even establishing a seaweed nursery with the support of Konservasi Indonesia.
Initially, the Manandang Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) capital came from the 2018 Village Budget (APBDes), amounting to Rp 75 million. While the profits earned by Mama Miguel as the driving force weren't substantial, the business is now moving again. "What's important now is that activities are running, the community is involved, and there's hope for the future. That's all for now," she said. For Mama Miguel, success isn't just about numbers, but also community participation.
Seaweed has become a major economic pillar for the people of East Sumba. There are at least 31 cultivation areas spread across seven districts. In 2022, production was recorded at over 30 tons per year. However, in Kaliuda, major challenges emerged: aging seeds, declining quality, and extreme weather. Together with five other residents, in May 2025, Mama Miguel started a new nursery.
This situation is not unique to Kaliuda. Ayu Nurmalaila, Director of PT Algae Sumba Timur Lestari (ASTIL), revealed that seedling shortages are a problem across nearly all regions. Konservasi Indonesia, in collaboration with the University of Mataram, is addressing this challenge through technical training, planting assistance, and seedling monitoring. "Investment in capacity building and development is not just about technical training, but also about empowering farmers to practice sustainable cultivation, increase productivity, and strengthen their economic resilience and well-being," said Lindasari Anggorowati, TeKSI Program Lead at Konservasi Indonesia.
Cottonii and Spinosum are varieties expected to replace local seeds that have passed their 15th generation. This initiative offers new hope for ASTIL, the recipient of the produce. "If the SOP is good, the results will also be good. That benefits both the community and the company," said Ayu.
From the shores of Kaliuda, Mama Miguel is slowly making her way toward a brighter future for Kaliuda Village. She's not only driving the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), but also planting hope. Her main focus is to have more seaweed seedlings by the end of 2025. "We'll nurture them first, we'll multiply them. Once we have enough, we'll release them to the market," she said.
From tiny seaweed seeds, pounded rice grains, to painstakingly woven yarn, Mama Miguel, along with other remarkable women, is weaving hope for Kaliuda village. The mother of three dreams of a self-sufficient village-owned enterprise (BUMDes), with its own gallery showcasing community ikat weaving and seaweed products, while also promoting tourism in Kaliuda Village. "Our biggest dream is to have a gallery that will be the face of the village. Inside, we'll showcase the community's work and our own seafood," she said hopefully.
