An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

Map #
Village

Sasi fisheries rules

Non-sas/ fisheries rules

Notes

Ï
Nolloth

Harvest of top shells, sea cucumbers, Turbo shells and
japing-japing shells in the sasi area prohibited except in
open season. No gill netting or swimming in sasi area.
Use of poisons banned. No sand/rock/coral taken
without permission. Written sasi rules. Hereditary
kewang patrol area. Sanctions for stealing sasi resources
applied by kepala desa (Rpl00,000 fine) and police.

Non-residents must have permission to fish
in territory. Harvest rights for top shells and
sea cucumbers outside of sasi area also sold.
Gill net use by permit only. Blast fishing
prohibited.

Village government, kewang and church
get share of profits from top shells
and sea cucumbers sales. Decision
-making dominated by village
government. Compliance high because
kepala desa is firm.

2
Haruku

Lompa and make harvest prohibited in sasi areas
(river and sea) except in open season. River Iompa
harvest communal. Rotation of marine harvest rights
for Iompa and make fish and division of catch prescribed.
Non-residents must ask permission to fish in territory.
Bagans, karolo nets and jala nets prohibited. No
motorboats in river when Iompa are there. Written sasi
rules. Sanctions by kewang.

No coral mining, blast fishing or use
of poisons allowed in territory.

All rules enforced as much as possible
by kewang members but they lack fast
boats and cannot get timely assistance
from higher authorities. Adat strong,
but conflict in village and poor
economy encourage non-compliance.

3
Kabauw

Harvest rights in sasi area (Iabuhan) auctioned for bagan
fishery and sea cucumbers. Only buyer (tuan sasi) is
allowed to use nets in area. He decides harvest times.
Ketua adat sets up sasi signs in the sea. Sasi rules not
written down. Sanctions by village government.

Blast fishing prohibited. Harvest of
ornamental fish by permit only,
after paying fee of Rp20,000 per day.

Sasi auction fee shared by village
government, Muslim meeting house and
mosque. Sasi area patrolled by tuan
sasi's men (= kewang). Profits to tuan sasi,
bagan crew and net owner. Decision-
making dominated by village government.

4
Pelauw

Harvest rights auctioned (Ielang) 2x a year in 3 sasi areas.
Buyer (tuan sasi) controls harvest times and hires guards
(called kewang). Net fishing only by tuan sasi or by his
permission, after payment. Hook and line fishing
permitted. Rules written down. Sanctions by kepala desa.

Blast fishing and use of poisons prohibited.

Decision-making dominated by village
government, which collects fees. Blast
fishing ban not effectively enforced:
fishers say village staff are involved.
Economic downturn and lack of respect
for local leaders reduce compliance.

5
Makariki

Whether sasi area is open or closed, locals have free
access. However, some fishers believe there are bans
on sea cucumbers, top shells and ornamental fish.
Outsiders may fish in the territory only in open season
and then they must pay a portion of catch to village.
Area may be closed to outsiders if deemed necessary (i.e.,
if signs of damage or over-fishing). Decision made by
kepala desa and the villagers. Sasi rules written down
including sanctions.

Kewang present but role in marine
management unclear. Some fishers
reluctant to report violations. Economic
pressures and new immigrants
reportedlyundermine rules. Strong
Ieadershipis key to compliance and
enforcement.