An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Chapter 11

Desa Haruku and Sameth, Haruku Island¹

11.1 Physical, Biological and Technical Attributes

11.1.1 Physical environment

As the story goes, the history of Haruku village dates back to the 8^th century. Haruku and Sameth
were situated in the mountains of Haruku Island, together with the kingdom of Alakka that
consisted of five villages. Initially, the Alakka people conquered Haruku and Sameth, but in a
second battle, the victory was for Haruku. The Alakka kingdom was divided into what are now
the villages of Hulaliu, Pelauw, Kabauw, Rohomoni, and Kailolo. The confiscated land areas
were returned to Haruku and that is how the village is today. The people of Sameth live in
close proximity. In fact, the two villages run together and from the sea, appear to be one village.

The Haruku village is situated on the west side of Haruku Island. Haruku Strait separates it
from Ambon Island. Arriving by boat, the dominant structures seen are a large church and
remnants of the old Dutch fort “Zeelandia”. Over land, the village is more difficult to reach
because of the mountainous topography and steep roads.

Figure 11.1 Sketch map of Haruku village territory
(features not necessarily to scale).

¹ Data tables for case study village can be found in Appendix 3.

The village has a large forest garden area (360 ha) that starts at Tatuhutu at the west side of the island.

Desa Haruku and Sameth, Haruku Island 121

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