12. Discussion of village issues
The open discussion of village issues is reportedly in decline. A number of respondents felt
that the degree to which people can participate in discussion depends for a large part on the
village head. He was said to arrange all village matters as do, to a lesser extent, the LMD and
the kewang. People, however, felt that they are becoming more educated now and wanted to
participate more in the discussion of village issues.
13. Community harmony
The number of conflicts in the village has increased dramatically (i.e., harmony has declined
by 24% and is expected to decline further). According to the fishers in our sample, this was
due to the elections and political division in the village. Other main problems were alcohol
abuse and juvenile delinquency.
At the family level, there are conflicts over the garden boundaries and ownership of the trees.
Usually these problems are dealt with within the family. Conflicts have been arising since the
number of people in the village increased, but the new village structure has also caused confusion.
Sasi and marine access rights, as defined under sasi, provide no ground for conflicts. The
kewang takes its job seriously and people are aware of that and respect the rules. The equitable
sharing of lompa fish managed under sasi is a key aspect that promotes harmony in the village.
11.8.4 Biological sustainability
14. State of the resource
The fishers perceived an average 26% decline in the condition of marine resources over the
past 15 years. They expect resources to decline another 14% in the next 15 years. Sediment, as
a result of the upstream mining activities, pollution and the use of modern fishing gears and
bombs, have had negative effects.
15. Fish catches
The latter also have a negative impact on fish catches. Nearly all (93%) of the fishers reported
significant reductions (-30%), and in the future, the fishers expect the situation to become
even worse (-17%). More reasons for this decline can be read in Chapter 8.1.
11.9 Synthesis
Sasi in Haruku is unique because it recently has been “greened” in the sense that new rules
with overt environmental purposes have been introduced. Government programs stimulate
the use of modern nets and intensification of the fishery. However, the authority of adat and
sasi regulations is strong enough to keep these developments within bounds. The high level
of collaboration with outside NGOs and researchers also sets Haruku apart. The village has
been included in various environmental programs and has served over the years as an example
of successful resource management. The kewang plays an important role in the extension of
environmental knowledge and it is crucial that the kewang remains functional. At the moment,
however, its position is weakened due to conflict with the government.
Desa Haruku and Sameth, Haruku Island 139