Abstract

A study was undertaken in several coastal Mentawai communities on Siberut Island located off the west cost of Sumatra. The main purpose was to make an inquiry of the gradual social changes in the community as a result of a government initiated housing relocation which subsequently stimulated a new pattern of staple food consumption. In order to document the change an observation of several households was arranged across several villages to obtain a greater understanding from a household’s perspective. In addition, to clarify the food security of the family unit, the harvest process of sago was investigated to understand the food provision in the village environment. It was noted that from a perspective of food starch intake, the traditional sago emerged to be the most attractive staple food. Soil conditions, available technology and supplementary requirements appeared to be crucial in the decision pertaining to staple food provision. Nonetheless, as a result of external influence on food values, significant government initiatives and social status preference, a gradual shift of food consumption is detected in the community. The change has been in parallel with the demographic shift and increased of cash income derived from the islands agricultural endeavors as well as an increased natural resource collection from the remaining forests. Community dependence on fluctuation of cash crops market prices such as cocoa and coffee has added an inherent risk to community food sustainability. In this study a pattern of Mentawaian increased interdependence with external markets is expected in an environment of increased acculturation. A safeguarding mechanism of imposed multiple sustainable choices would advance the communities’ social and economic security.