1.3 Overview of Methodological Approach
To complete an institutional analysis of sasi that fulfilled the objectives stated above, the
research team developed a data-gathering program that comprised a number of component
studies. Details on the objectives of each component and the methods used to gather and
analyze data can be found in Chapter 2.
1) Inventory of sasi
In 63 villages in central Maluku, key informants were interviewed to record the present and
past occurrence and type of sasi present in the region. The results were also used to study
institutional resilience. Results can be found in Chapters 7 and 17.
2) Performance analysis of sasi at the district level
Over 500 fishers from 28 villages were interviewed to document and compare outcomes in
sasi and non-sasi villages. In addition, limited marine surveys were conducted on coral reef
habitats, including open-access sites as well as areas managed under sasi. Results are presented
in Chapters 8 and 9.
3a) Institutional analysis case studies
Six villages were selected for case studies: two with sasi, two without sasi, and two that are in
the process of revitalizing the institution. For each case study site, we collected information
on the local context (technological, biological, social and economic) and institutional and
organizational arrangements, following the institutional analysis framework (see Section 1.2).
Results are provided in Chapters 10-16.
3b) Resilience of marine sasi institutions
In the six villages, 157 interviews were taken with key respondents to study changes in the
institution, the process of decline and revival where sasi was lost, and to identify the
mechanisms behind a well-functioning management institution (see Chapter 17).
3c) Data gathering to characterize contextual variables for institutional analysis
Data on the history and regional level context for fisheries management in Maluku were
obtained through the analysis of existing literature. More detailed first-hand information on
the political and social context of Maluku coastal villages came from case study sites. In
addition, fish traders and government staff at regional and provincial levels were interviewed
to discover the market forces and the structure of formal fisheries management that could
affect local management. This regional and village-level contextual information is presented
in Chapters 3-6.
4) Policy recommendations
Results of the performance and resilience studies, together with the information on government
structures and functioning gathered in component 3c, were used to develop policy
recommendations for the government of Indonesia (Sopacua et al. 1998).
Introduction 5