An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Status is an important reward for the kewang members, especially since the financial benefits
are minimal. The money the kewang members get from fines is just enough to cover their expenses
e.g., for transport, meetings, maintenance of the kewang house etc. The kewang has always been
supported by the former village head, Bertie Ririmasse. Now that the new village head has
arrived, their position is undermined. The new village head encourages the mining operations
in the village, which goes against the conservation goals of the kewang. Because of their
environmental concern, the kewang members had to form an opposition. However, in order to
be formally acknowledged, the kewang needs support from the village head. To be really effective,
and preserve the natural resources of Haruku, the kewang and the village head need to collaborate.

11.4.4 Enforcement

Enforcement is traditionally in the hands of the kewang. The kewang members, the mini-kewang
or regular villagers report violations to the head of the kewang. The head of the kewang will
order his members to catch the culprit. Before, the kewang would act independently. As long
as it concerns relatively small offenses, the head of the kewang still disciplines the offender,
but in more serious cases nowadays, the police will be involved.

The church also plays a role in enforcement. Compliance is stimulated through communal
prayers in which people commit themselves to the sasi rules. The success the church has in
“enforcing” the rules on coconuts and clove leads to the question whether the involvement of
the church should be elaborated.

The church minister acknowledges the ancestral spirits and adat, but feels that the church is
of a higher order and thus could be of more significance. The kewang, on the other hand,
accepts the collaboration with the church, but stresses that sasi is adat and that the role of the
church should be limited. Its members argue that everybody knows the rules, that the ancestors
are involved, and that the adat ceremonies are important to ensure success. In order to
collaborate productively, the church needs to respect these adat structures.

11.4.5 Compliance

There are no available data on rule violations. According to the villagers, compliance is
relatively high due to the tight rules, adat and custom. However, it was stated that the number
of offenses has risen since the current village head came into power. The conflict between the
village head and kewang is a main reason for people to non-comply. A few respondents
expressed economic need and a lack of respect for the kewang. Some of the offenders are poor,
but often, people steal for fun or to test the rules.

11.4.6 Significance of sasi and local knowledge

Sasi is spiritually of great significance as J. Rehena, the church minister, explained: “Everybody
carries it because it is adat and part of their culture”. As part of daily life and culture, everybody
has knowledge about sasi.

Traditional sacred knowledge concerning sasi is in hands of the two kewang heads and adat
elders. Knowledge is passed from father to son, but the head of the kewang had to learn it
from his uncle. The new village head spent most of his time in Ambon and thus did not share
the knowledge that comes with his position. Since he is inaugurated as the kepala adat, he has
to learn about sasi. He derives his knowledge from the former head of the kewang and the
members of the traditional village council.

132 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia

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