An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Several interim leaders have not been able to set up a functional village government (Table
12.1). To end the political instability, Albert Tanalepy, a businessman who works in Surabaya,
was asked to come back to Tuhaha to become the village head. He agreed, but since his business
also demands his attention, he spends regular intervals outside the village. People do not like
his absence, but are generally content with their new leader. “He speaks English and he is
very generous because he takes care of the harbor, fences and a fresh water supply” commented
Mrs. Lopatty, one of our respondents.

Table 12.1

As of 1997, the village government was still in the process of establishing itself. Of the 17 LMD
members, four persons are from the traditional saniri negeri. The other elected members are
regular villagers. The village head and village government members agreed to revitalize sasi, to
establish a kewang, and to acknowledge the authority of the adat institutions. In the course of
1998, an agreement is to be reached between the formal and traditional authorities on the
development of a new structure in which division of roles and responsibilities are defined.

12.2.2 Village organizations

Most of the other common village organizations are present in Tuhaha. The PKK is active and
offers a program that connects more to the daily life of women than in other villages.
Membership is higher than in Nolloth, but is also dominated by women from the higher
social classes.

The Pelwata is also active and meetings are attended by women from all social groups. They
felt involved and said that they benefited from the church organization. However, the
formation of annual programs was in arrears, which hampered the activities.

There are four IDT groups, but there is no KEP for fishers. Both the TAKESRA and ARISAN
are present and mainly occupied with sago processing. Members in these last groups are, so
far, mainly men. It was proposed that in 1998, programs be set up for women.

Tuhaha has no village cooperative (KUD).

12.2.3 Role of women

In early history (before 1800), the village seems to have had a female raja. Apparently, times
have changed because today, women’s influence on village matters is limited to household
affairs. This is the sphere where the women can make decisions, but even so, in most cases,
they need consent from their husbands.

Women play an important role in the village as petty traders. They trade in palm sugar, sago
and fish. Many women sell the fish they get from their husbands. Shellfish are gathered and

Desa Tuhaha, Saparua Island 145

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