Changing 'Indigenous Environmental Law' in the Central Moluccas: Communal Regulation and Privatization of Sasi

Abstract

"In this paper we want to examine the contemporary forms and functions of sasi and speculate on its potential role in environmental protection in the Central Moluccas in the future. In doing so, we shall look at the problems likely to be encountered by those who want to revitalize it or expand its present scope, whether as local initiative of villagers or as an attempt to incorporate it into a governmentally controlled environmental policy. It is our conviction that such planning can only fruitfully depart from an understanding of the contemporary realities of sasi. Besides, we also need an understanding of the actual and potential environmental dangers in the region in order to assess the problems to which sasi might be a solution."