Hari Orang Pulau

Singapore’s Orang Pulau comprise coastal communities from multiple ethnicities, including the descendants of Indigenous Orang Laut communities. These coastal communities have navigated Singapore’s waters and the region for centuries, forging a deep connection to the land and the sea, and a vibrant culture integral to the wider Nusantara story. Some of these communities are native to the Southern Islands, including Pulau Semakau, Pulau Sekijang Bendera (St John’s Island), and Pulau Belakang Mati (Sentosa).

The Orang Pulau developed a rich cultural heritage, with practices, knowledge, and livelihoods intricately linked to their island environments. They used traditional fishing methods like “bubu” (fish traps) and “serampang” (spears) to sustain their communities and gathered from their natural surroundings, blending maritime skills and land-based traditions. This lifestyle persisted until the mid-20th century when most of the islanders were relocated to mainland Singapore due to national development projects. Many now reside in areas close to the South-West coast, like Telok Blangah and Pasir Panjang.

This relocation brought many challenges, including a loss of land and livelihoods that still affect younger generations today. Restrictions on access to the islands made it difficult to sustain cultural practices, crafts, and traditions, while societal pressures encouraged assimilation into mainland life. Despite these challenges, some members of the community continue to preserve their heritage, keeping traditional crafts and knowledge alive as a testament to their unique identity and connection to the islands.