Local Wisdom-Based Strategies for Sustainable Aquatic Resource Management

Abstract

This study explores the role of local wisdom in promoting sustainable aquatic resource management in Indonesia through a comparative analysis of three traditional governance systems: Sasi Laut in Maluku, Awig-Awig in Lombok, and Panglima Laot in Aceh. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that these community-based systems effectively regulate marine resource use, ensure ecological conservation, and promote social cohesion through culturally embedded norms and participatory governance. Each system demonstrates unique mechanisms of rule-making, enforcement, and conflict resolution that are deeply intertwined with spiritual values, customary law, and local leadership structures. However, the sustainability of these practices is increasingly challenged by limited legal recognition, generational knowledge loss, and external pressures such as commercial fishing and coastal development. The study argues that integrating traditional ecological knowledge into national policy frameworks and recognizing the legitimacy of customary institutions are critical for achieving long-term marine sustainability. It concludes that local wisdom is not only an environmental asset but also a form of social resilience and political agency in the governance of common-pool resources.