The story of Haruku Island’s traditional nature protectors and their quest to protect fragile ecosystems
Kewang: Nature’s Ancient Guardians is a compelling documentary set on Haruku Island in Indonesia’s Maluku archipelago, where environmental protection is not a new idea, but a way of life. The film centres on the Kewang, a traditional council of community-appointed guardians who have protected Haruku’s forests, coastal waters, and sacred sites for over 400 years.
At the heart of the film is Om-Eli, alongside several other council members who reflect on their history of safeguarding Haruku’s natural resources. The documentary highlights Kewang’s primary philosophy: nature is not a resource to be exploited, but a living relative to be respected. It reveals how these guardians enforce customary laws, pass down ecological knowledge, and have shaped farming and fishing practices for generations.
Now, Kewang’s sustainable practices are under threat, with climate change endangering their traditional fisheries and placing the livelihoods of many on Haruku Island at risk.
Directed by Indah Rufiati and produced by Matthew Judge for Blue Ventures, Kewang: Nature’s Ancient Guardians was shot on location over 21 days across the remote Maluku Islands. With a limited crew and a modest budget of just $45,000 (USD), the production relied heavily on collaboration with local communities. The team gained rare access to ceremonies, oral traditions, and daily activities that had never been documented on film before.
Kewang: Nature’s Ancient Guardians has been entered into the 2025 Better World Video Awards. Enter now for your chance to win a seven-night stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand, courtesy of our partner, Aggressor Adventures, or a £3,000 advertising package for your organisation.
