The concept of ocean as Common is well established in Eastern Indonesia, such as Sasi (from Maluku to West Papua), Muro (East Nusa Tenggara), and Lilifuk (Kupang). These concepts shared basic ideas that encompass the regulation of fishing seasons, the techniques and technologies employed, the targeted species, and the location of the ocean by the Indigenous Community (Bayley & Zerner 1991). Despite ongoing discussions regarding definitions, practices, and possible injustices (Pannel, 1997), the long-standing connection Indigenous communities have with the ocean demonstrates that it is certainly not viewed as an empty space. This is particularly important when faced with new discourses such as marine renewable energy, where the socio-cultural relations of indigenous peoples and their environment are often considered empty - or ignored by more powerful actors (Tsing, 2003).
The MRE development discourse is one of the government’s priorities. To provide some background, the Indonesian government aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, which includes a focus on renewable energy. By 2025, renewable sources are anticipated to make up 23% of the nation's energy mix. Consequently, various MRE projects are generating public discussions, including proposals for constructing a tidal bridge/tidal power plant in Nusa Tenggara. Such debates over tidal energy have sparked discussions among Indigenous/coastal communities who are conscious of the significance of land, sea, rituals, and other related aspects. Drawing from preliminary observations and interviews from a short ethnography conducted in October – and the forthcoming research next year, this presentation paper will explore Indigenous peoples' views and imaginations regarding these matters.
