14.9 Synthesis
Seri has many productive farmers, animal growers, and fishers. Compared to other dusuns in
the Urimesing village, Seri is doing well. The government programs, e.g., chicken breeding,
are successful, and generally, people see their livelihood improving. Although the figures of
well-being and income are not significantly higher than those in the other villages, the Seri
people are relatively confident and optimistic. This is not in the least owing to the current
village leader who, despite the resistance of some, is determined to work for the prosperity of
the village.
Village institutions (church and government) seem to cooperate well. The village organizations,
informally organized under the PKK, function and are involved in economic activities. There
is no KUD but there are several local productive groups.
Seri has easy access to local and regional markets and the market structures are interesting.
Small-scale fishers usually sell through their wives or other female fish vendors. Large-scale
fishers have several options but often sell to traders who auction the fish for them in return
for 10% of the net sale price. The traders often auction the fish to female vendors. If a vendor
cannot pay directly, she can take the fish and pay later. Trust is a key factor in these transactions.
Between the commercial owners and their captains and crew, comparable relations exist. A
crewman’s percentage may be paid months after the harvest and people have to trust the
boat operator to pay these revenues. If a trader, fisher or boat operator neglects his duty to
pay, or if he cheats, he will be cut off from further interactions.
The current situation in the Seri fishery is especially difficult for artisanal fishers. There is a
large divergence in income and opportunities between the artisanal and the large-scale
commercial fishers. Even though artisanal fishers are more likely to identify resource problems
and reduced catches, fishing efforts are generally increasing. The fishers on the large fishing
boats get a percentage of the catch, which is a clear incentive for them to try to increase their
yields.
At the same time, there are no fishery management rules in place that regulate access and
limit efforts. Except for the fact that outside fishers pay a contribution to the village, the
marine resources of Seri are open-access. Only the national prohibition on destructive fishing
techniques is being implemented, but besides the dusun head, there is no enforcing agent.
The situation for artisanal fishers is difficult. While few of them have the means to compete
with large-scale fishers or fish in remote fishing grounds, outside fishing vessels have
government permits that allow them to fish in Seri’s waters. The local administrative structure,
however, cannot challenge the permits issued by higher government bodies. Besides, the village
government takes a dualistic position. On the one hand, they are concerned with the fishers
and try to help them financially through government programs. On the other hand, they are
pleased with the significant fees and fish derived from the large-scale fishery.
The fishers feel strongly that a local enforcement mechanism should be in place. The village
government is likewise interested in a better organized fishery. It is very well possible that,
when Seri has derived a more autonomous village status, its fishers will be able to design
local regulations and establish an enforcement structure so that the fishing grounds can be
managed under a property rights regime.
194 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia