In Indonesia, there is an island called Lembata, located in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The island is small, but the world knows it. It has a village called Lamalera, famous for its traditional whale hunting tradition called "Baleo."
This tradition has existed since the 17th century, using traditional sailing boats called paledang and special spears called tempuling. Lamalera fishermen have strict rules, such as only catching certain types of whales (specifically sperm whales or koteklema) and not targeting young or nursing whales.
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Before starting a whale hunt, the locals, mostly Catholic, hold a Leva mass to ask for blessings for a successful and safe expedition. These chosen hunters carry the paledang out to sea and begin chanting mantras. If a whale passes by, the spearman will immediately throw the spear at it, usually from the bow of the boat.
This whale hunting tradition has become a hallmark of Lamalera fishermen.
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