Indonesia’s efforts to expand marine conservation areas continue to evolve through increasingly inclusive approaches. In addition to establishing formal conservation zones, attention is now directed toward Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM). This mechanism is considered strategic for supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and the global 30x30 commitment, which Indonesia has expanded into a national target of protecting 30 percent of marine waters by 2045.

Group photo of the Research Team Coordination Meeting on the Identification of Sasi Areas with OECM Potential in Maluku Province, Bandung (9–11 December 2025)

In this context, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Global Environment Facilities–Coastal Fisheries Initiative (GEF-CFI) Indonesia Project, convened a Technical Working Meeting of the Research Team on Identifying Sasi Areas with OECM Potential in Maluku Province. Held in Bandung on 9–11 December 2025, the meeting specifically focused on the pilot areas of Southeast Maluku Regency and Eastern Seram Regency.

The forum served as an important platform for gathering data, field experiences, and supporting information related to locally rooted resource management practices, particularly sasi, which has long been practiced by coastal communities in Maluku.

Technical Working Meeting on the Research Team on Identifying Sasi Areas with OECM Potential in Maluku Province, Bandung (9–11 December 2025)

OECM Potential in Maluku: Extensive and Diverse

Preliminary identification shows that the potential for OECM recognition in Maluku Province is highly significant. In Eastern Seram Regency, areas potentially qualifying as OECM cover approximately 4.77 million hectares. Meanwhile, in Southeast Maluku Regency, potential OECM areas are estimated at around 1,344 hectares. These estimations are based on two key assumptions: the presence of marine sasi practices and customary regulations governing resource extraction.

On Gorom Island in Eastern Seram Regency, various forms of sasi remain in practice. These include permanent territorial sasi in the Customary State of Kataloka on Koon Island; sasi for kawalinya fish and net restrictions in Kataloka and Ondor; as well as permanent sasi for sea cucumbers, trochus, and sea turtles in the Customary Village of Rarat. Similar practices were found in Namalean, Kilkoda, and Amarsekaru Villages. Interestingly, communities that do not formally apply sasi still regulate harvesting of sea cucumbers and trochus based on shared principles across localities.

On Kei Besar lsland, Southeast Maluku Regency, sasi also remains integral to resource governance. It is found in several ohoi (customary villages), including Werka, Watuar, Ohoirenan, Ohoiwait, Watkidat, Waduar Fer, and customary jurisdiction areas of Rahangiar. All identified sasi areas lie outside formal government-designated conservation zones such as the Koon Island Conservation Area and the Kei Kecil Conservation Area, opening opportunities for OECM recognition.

Sasi Governance: Between Customary Law and Social Compliance

Generally, sasi in Maluku consists of two categories: species-based sasi and area-based sasi. Species-based sasi prohibits the harvesting of specific marine organisms, such as sea cucumbers, trochus, kawalinya fish, palala fish, and batu laga snails. Meanwhile, area-based sasi restricts all fishing activities within designated zones for a set duration. Implementation is typically determined through community deliberation led by customary elders, village leaders, and religious figures.

Opening and closure periods are determined based on biological growth and economic value of the species. Each village applies different rules and sanction mechanisms. On Gorom Island, sanctions are generally social in nature, such as community service or fines. Conversely, on Kei Besar Island, sanctions are relatively stricter and may include obligations to provide customary offerings.

Tangible Contributions to Biodiversity Conservation

From an ecological perspective, sasi areas have demonstrated significant contributions to biodiversity conservation. On both Gorom Island and Kei Besar Island, 24 sea cucumber species were identified at each site, with nearly identical species composition. In addition to dominant species such as Holothuria atra, high-value species and those listed under CITES Appendix II—such as Holothuria nobilis, H. fuscogilva, and Thelenota ananas—were also found.

Sasi practices also positively influence the condition of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems. Average seagrass coverage on Gorom Island reaches nearly 58 percent, while on Kei Besar Island it is approximately 57 percent, with both classified as dense coverage. Coral reefs on Gorom Island exhibit variable coverage ranging from 15 to 74 percent. Restrictions on fishing gear and seasonal harvesting bans within sasi zones have proven effective in maintaining marine ecosystem balance.

Cultural, Spiritual, and Socio-Economic Values

Beyond being a conservation instrument, sasi represents a form of local wisdom embedded with strong cultural, spiritual, and socio-economic values. Principles of deliberation, solidarity, and collective responsibility are reflected at every stage of sasi implementation. Customary ceremonies marking the opening and closing of sasi remain preserved, particularly on Kei Island.

The economic benefits of sasi openings are directly felt by local communities. In some villages, harvest revenues are allocated for the construction of houses of worship, roads, and public facilities. In others, harvest yields are distributed among residents, making sasi an effective mechanism for equitable economic benefit-sharing.

Towards OECM Recognition Based on Sasi Systems

This technical working meeting concluded that sasi areas in Southeast Maluku Regency and Eastern Seram Regency meet the criteria for OECM designation. This assessment covers the clarity of territorial boundaries, customary institutional governance, contributions to biodiversity conservation, as well as the cultural significance and socio-economic benefits to local communities. These findings reaffirm that local wisdom such as sasi is not merely a cultural heritage, but also a strong foundation for the future of marine conservation in Indonesia.