The Rise Of Bin Soren: When West Yensawai’s Indigenous Women Become The Frontline Guardians Of Raja Ampat’s Seas

RAJA AMPAT – Under the blue skies of West Yensawai, a new history is being written on the white sands and amidst the crashing waves of the Dampier Strait. Traditionally, guarding the sea, determining fishing boundaries, and enforcing the customary Sasi law was the domain of men. However, 2025 brought a cool yet firm wind of change. In this village, the mothers (Mamas), young women, and indigenous women are rising not just as users of natural resources, but as managers and guardians of their own marine sovereignty.

This is the story of Bin Soren, which in the local language means "Sea Women"—an indigenous women's group born from the womb of innovation and care for the future.

Innovation Amidst Tradition

Raja Ampat is renowned globally for its breathtaking biodiversity. Yet, guarding this paradise requires more than government rules; it needs the heartbeat of the local community. Yayasan Bumi Papua Lestari (YBPL), as a recipient of the Cycle 5 Blue Abadi Fund (BAF) Innovation Grant, identified a gap that had long been overlooked: the role of women.

Historically, women are often the most affected if marine yields decline, yet the least involved in conservation decision-making. Through the "Strengthening and Ocean Class for Indigenous Women" program, YBPL attempted to flip this paradigm. The innovation lay not in creating advanced technology, but in social engineering: positioning women as key actors in the Sasi tradition.

From Ocean Class to Customary Mandate

The journey of Bin Soren did not happen overnight. In early March 2025, 20 resilient women from West Yensawai, East Yensawai, and Marandan Weser Hamlet gathered. Not to cook or manage the household, but to learn marine biology.

In the "Ocean Class," they dissected the life cycles of sea cucumbers, lobsters, and lola (top shells). They learned why Sasi—the tradition of temporarily closing fishing areas—is not just about custom, but about giving nature time to recover.

"We realized that guarding the sea isn't just men's work. If the sea is damaged, our kitchens are the first to go empty," said one participant. This spirit birthed the official group named Bin Soren. Consisting of 17 indigenous Papuan women and supported by other members, this group gained strong legitimacy, not only from the village government but also from customary figures.

History at Swanyaur Ampu – Masi

The peak of this transformation occurred on May 17, 2025. That day, West Yensawai Village received a special guest: the Regent (Bupati) of Raja Ampat, Oridek Burdam. His presence was not merely a standard work visit, but a form of the highest respect for this indigenous women's initiative.

At a location named Swanyaur Ampu – Masi, the women of Bin Soren led the Sasi declaration. A 1-kilometer stretch of coastline is now under their protection. No one is allowed to harvest lola, sea cucumbers, or shrimp there until the time determined by these mothers.

It was an emotional and monumental moment. The Regent expressed his appreciation, acknowledging that Bin Soren’s move is tangible proof of how culture and conservation can walk hand-in-hand guided by women.

More Than Just Guarding

What Bin Soren is doing goes beyond merely prohibiting fishing. They are proving that conservation can also bear sweet fruit for the family economy. Besides guarding the sea, this group is innovating by making eco-friendly shampoo and handicrafts, as well as planting 100 mangrove trees to withstand the abrasion eroding the coast of East Yensawai.

They understand that guarding nature is an investment. When the Sasi is eventually opened, the abundant harvest will be proof that their patience and wisdom have paid off.

Gazing into the Future

Naturally, the road ahead is not always smooth. Challenges such as limited facilities and the need for sustainable funding support still loom. However, YBPL and BAF have laid a solid cornerstone.

This program teaches us that conservation innovation does not always have to be complicated. Sometimes, innovation is simple: giving trust to those whose voices were previously only faintly heard. In West Yensawai, that voice now echoes loudly, guarded by Bin Soren—the Sea Women ensuring that Raja Ampat’s natural wealth remains sustainable for future generations.

In the hands of women, the sea is not just guarded; it is cared for with heart.