SamaBajau

SamaBajau, also written as Sama-Bajau, is an Austronesian ethnic group of maritime Southeast Asia comprising Sama and Bajau subgroups. Traditionally sea-nomadic or semi-nomadic, Sama-Bajau communities have lived for centuries in coastal areas and on boats, notably across the Sulu Archipelago and the coasts of the Philippines, Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia, including Kalimantan and Sulawesi. They are united by a shared maritime culture, though internal diversity is substantial.

Language and identity: They speak languages in the Sama–Bajau branch of the Austronesian family, with numerous dialects. In daily life, many are multilingual, using Malay, Filipino languages, or Indonesian in education, media, and government contexts.

Culture and livelihoods: Historically known as skilled divers and fishermen, the Sama-Bajau are associated with distinctive boat-building traditions and the use of houseboats or stilt houses. Their social organization and ceremonial practices reflect long-standing seafaring and trading networks.

Religion: The majority are Muslim, predominantly Sunni, though there are Christian and indigenous-belief communities, especially within parts of the Philippines. Religious practice varies by region and local tradition.

Socioeconomic context: Contemporary challenges include poverty, limited access to education and health care, and citizenship or statelessness issues in some areas, notably Sabah. Migration and urbanization have shifted livelihoods toward fishing-related work, tourism, construction, and other wage labor.

History: The groups trace roots to Austronesian seafaring populations and have interacted with regional polities such as the Sulu Sultanate. Colonial borders and modern nation-state policies have shaped their current geographic distribution and social status.