An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Compared to the past, the average income declined in Haruku and was static in Nolloth, Tuhaha,
and Hulaliu. This is not surprising regarding the fact that the sasi villages did have a relatively
high score in the past (7.2). In Hutumuri and Seri, where fishers noted an increase in income,
the past score was lowest (5.6). The largest significant difference in changes in income is between
the sasi villages and Seri. The difference with Hutumuri, Hulaliu, and Tuhaha is, although smaller,
still significant. The decrease in the sasi villages also noted in the larger performance study
(Chapter 8), may also be related to the collapse in clove prices or the fishers’ ages.

At the moment, Seri fishers perceive the highest income (7.7) and, together with Hutumuri,
they expect a further increase in the future. The sasi villages, together with Tuhaha and Hulaliu,
are more negative about the future and expect no increase in income.

Table 16.23. Perceived differences in income in six villages.

Tradition of collective action

All villages had a relatively high score for communal activities in the past (Table 16.24), and
all villages, except Nolloth, perceived a decline. The difference between the villages is not
significant. Change in the tradition of collective action was related to job satisfaction and
opinion of sasi, in that fishers who were happy in their work and those who believed that sasi
was important, had a more positive outlook (Table 16.22). This last correlation helps explain
why the difference between sasi and non-sasi villages is significant in the larger (28 villages)
performance study. Fishers who want a change in fisheries rules were the most negative
regarding collective action.

With respect to the current level of communal activities Nolloth fishers score significantly higher
(Duncan’s test, p=<0.020) than those of Haruku, Hutumuri, and Seri and this trend is prolonged
in the future. Haruku scores lowest (6.30), which reflects the political stress in the village. Financial
interests, leadership, and loss of customs were mentioned as the main causes for decline.

232 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia

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