An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

12. Discussion of village issues

Discussion of village issues is perceived as being relatively high (score 8). There are no
significant changes over time. From the interviews, it became clear that management problems
of the fishery in the village area are not publicly discussed.

13. Village harmony

Village harmony is highest compared to other villages (score 6.20), and has not changed
significantly over time. Conflicts generally arise over land, sago and cloves. Alcohol abuse
was also mentioned. At the village level, conflicts are more apparent, especially in cases where
outsiders try to illegally harvest sasi products. Others, however, had the opinion that conflicts
in the community were less now than in the past. An important role is played by the village
head, who is legitimate and trusted by the people. The harvest rights and boundaries of the
sasi area are also generally accepted.

10.8.4 Biological sustainability

14. State of the marine resources and fish catches

The general condition of the marine environment has drastically declined. Fishers perceived
an average 31% decline over the past 15 years, and they expect conditions to decline another
15% in the future (also see Section 10.1).

15. Fish catches

Fish catches have also reduced drastically. The average drop noted was 38%, and the fishers
expect a further decline of 20% in future. In Nolloth, the main problems causing both general
decline of the resources as well as declining fish catches were said to be: 1) pollution, 2)
intensification of the fishery, and 3) the use of modern gears.

Nevertheless, biological surveys indicate that Nolloth has better than the average live coral
cover compared to other Saparua shores (Tables 9.1-9.4). Also, fishers report that the fishing
is better in the sasi area than elsewhere, suggesting that the management system does have a
positive effect on the state of the inshore resource.

10.9 Synthesis

Nolloth is an example of a village that has successfully integrated traditional and formal
government structures. Decisions are made by the village government, but with the implicit
consent of the villagers who trust the government to make the right decisions for them. The
village head has a powerful position, but he is legitimate, respected, and trusted not to abuse
that power. The political structure theoretically allows participation or open discussions, but
the common villagers (women and the poor, in particular,) are excluded from decision-making.
In some cases, they could work through clan leaders, who are government officials, to get
their point to the village government.

118 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia

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