both ways: first, the village would have a regulatory system and an institution that enforces
the rules, while at the same time, the village head would strengthen his own position.
The Protestant church in Hutumuri has a strong influence on the people, especially since the
village government has become unstable. Still, the relationship between the church and the
village government is tight: the government uses the church meetings to publicize important
information, and the church is represented in the village government.
In the process of formalizing the traditional village institutions, it is essential to involve the
church. It can play a major role in the education of the people and in the decision- making
process in the village. The church programs that improve the livelihood of people can support
future management efforts in the bay.
212 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia