Teori Migrasi Masyarakat Bajau di Mengkabong, Pantai Barat Borneo Utara

The Theory of the Migration of the Bajau Community in Mengkabong on The West Coast of North Borneo

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the discussion on the Bajau community's migration theory in Mengkabong, the West Coast of Northern Borneo. The objective of this study is to delve into the Bajau community's development in the specified location, encompassing their origins, population, and socioeconomics. Past studies have discovered that research into the Bajau community in Mengkabong has received insufficient attention, especially regarding their immigration theories from Johor or the Philippine Islands that remain contested until this day. This study employs historical and qualitative research methods. The research material and sources for this study were obtained from the Sabah State Archives, the National Archives of Malaysia, the Sabah Chief Minister's Office, the University Malaysia Sabah Library and others. The results of the study found that the Bajau community originated from Johor-Riau. This fact is further reinforced by scholars who assert there are similar physical, linguistic, and cultural characteristics between the Bajau community in Mengkabong and the Malay community from Johor-Riau.

Received: 11 Februari 2023

Reviewed: 15 Februari 2023

Accepted:  1 April 2023