An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Appendix 6: Translated Sasi rules from three villages
(Nolloth, Ihamahu, and Itawaka)

Appendix 6A: Nolloth Village Sasi Rules

POSITION, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NOLLOTH’S KEWANG

In accordance to its role among the village community, also as an institution that developed from the community’s
awareness, and as assistance to the village government, the Kewang holds the following position, duties and
functions:

1. The Kewang or the Forest Police holds a position as an organization in the village, which in this
case has to do the following tasks:

a. To look after, maintain or develop all of the properties (forest or sea)
belonging to the community and the village within the village territory.

b. To perform as instructed by the Kepala Desa (Village Chief) in order to
keep the continuation of the environment and to defend it.

2. In order to perform the above mentioned tasks, the Kewang or Polisi Hutan has the function to
carry out all kind of activities that bring happiness and welfare to the community through the
environment with an approval and monitored by the Kepala Desa.

RIGHTS, AUTHORITY AND OBLIGATION OF THE KEWANG

I. RIGHTS

1. Every Kewang member has the right to give ideas in the Kewang meeting.

2. Every Kewang member has the right to wear the Kewang uniform/clothing.

3. Every Kewang member has the right to accept sasi harvested coconuts shared among the Kewang
members and coconuts of their own effort.

4. Every Kewang member who is on duty at the time when certain conflicts occur within the
community and therefore need to resolve it, has the right to receive transportation fee.

II. AUTHORITY

1. Controlling for safety within the village territory (forest and sea).

2. Decide on every barrier that brings disadvantages to the community.

3. Review on all of the accomplishment and make effort for improvement.

4. Giving advice/suggestions to the Kepala Desa according to their duties.

III. OBLIGATIONS

1. Attend the Kewang meetings.

2. To keep the meeting under control and functioning smoothly/politely.

3. Maintain the Kewang privacy.

4. Support every village governmental policy.

5. To accept and decide on every trespassing of the sasi regulation.

6. Rejecting any conflicts that occur due to civil cases or criminal cases.