Pearl diving in Indonesia | SLICE | Full documentary

This paragraph introduces the Aru Islands, known for their precious pearls, and the village of Kojabi, where Babar, a local fisherman, practices traditional pearl diving. Babar uses an ancestral method to dive for oysters from September to November. The oysters are then sold to farms for pearl cultivation. The paragraph also mentions the modern method of fishing for oysters and the journey of the crew of the Success, led by Captain Argonne, who dive in the Arafura waters of the Indian Ocean. The unique maritime canals of the Aru Islands are highlighted, along with the traditional Aru boat used by Babar for navigating the shallow waters.

The second paragraph discusses the challenges faced by the crew of the Success, including outdated and poorly maintained diving equipment. The divers rely on simple lead sinkers and half-filled bottles to prevent explosions. The paragraph describes various diving techniques used by the crew to search for pearl oysters in the deep, dark waters rich with plankton. It also highlights the difficulty of spotting oysters and the average catch of six oysters per diver per day. The divers' connection to the surface is maintained through buoys, and their lack of formal training is contrasted with their comfort underwater.

This paragraph explores the motivation behind the dangerous work of pearl oyster diving, which is the income it provides. Divers earn about three dollars for each pearl oyster, significantly more than the average annual salary on the Aru Islands. The crew's diverse background is mentioned, reflecting the region's multicultural population. The paragraph also delves into the historical aspect, describing how Dobo was a trading hub in the 17th century, especially for spices and pearls, and how local people participated in these trades, risking their lives for potential wealth. Babar and his brother Selite's unsuccessful fishing day leads them to hunt in the forest of a neighboring island, with a brief mention of the region's rich wildlife and history of piracy.

The fourth paragraph provides insight into the divers' daily life, including their meals prepared from mature oysters that cannot be sold for pearls. The young oysters are kept for pearl production. The paragraph also describes the challenges of navigating the Aru Islands' channels, which are shallow and have a shifting sea bottom. The threat of the Indo-Pacific crocodile to divers is highlighted, as well as Babar's skill in selecting the best oysters for Captain Agong. The oysters' sale contributes to the divers' families' needs for rice and medicine.

The final paragraph weaves the legend of the pearl oysters that brought wealth and harmony to the Aru Islands before a curse led to a tidal wave and the loss of many lives and oysters. The story of the black man's remorse and his journey to restore the mother of pearl oysters is told. The paragraph transitions to the modern pearl oyster farms that have been on the islands for 30 years, with the Japanese being the masters of this art. The farms' strict quality requirements and the potential disappearance of oyster fishing due to captive reproduction techniques are mentioned. The paragraph concludes with the annual collection of pearls by a cargo ship and the ongoing quest of divers, symbolizing the enduring legend of the mother of pearl oysters.