Pamali, Bajo’s Local Wisdom in the Conservation of Marine Resources

The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze the tradition of pamali (taboo/tobo) as one of local wisdom of Bajo tribe in the conservation of marine resources. This research was conducted in Bungin Permai Village, South Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi. Data collection techniques were conducted through in-depth interviews, involved observations, document studies and focused discussions. Data analysis is done through data reduction, data presentation and conclusion. The results show that pamali or abstinence is one of local wisdom of Bajo tribe in the conservation of marine resources born from their life experiences in interacting with the sea, with the same (Bajo tribe) and bagai (people outside Bajo tribe), and their relationship with Mbo (God) the ruler of the sea. Pamali arranges matters relating to the survival of ecosystems and marine biota, such as pamali of catching fish or collecting seafood around the coral reefs, in pasi and pamali of catching marine animals seen as the embodiment of Mbo. Pamali also deals with the safety of individuals and Bajo society generally, because the Bajo tribe believes in pamali as karma law, if it is violated will befall the person who violates it or its family and its offspring anytime and anywhere. The understanding of pamali gave birth to the concept of self-conscious behavior in the management of marine resources called empe diri (empat diri) that is Self-Awareness, Self-Endurance, Self-Conception and Self-Confidence.