This article explores how the Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia—a collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), GEF, and WWF—has transformed the “fishy smell of despair” into the fragrance of self-reliance through an innovative concept: the Sasi Label.
MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – In Negeri Laha, Ambon, the breath of its people is the wind, and the rhythm of their hearts is the waves. For them, the sea is not merely a stretch of blue water, but a womb that sustains life while holding the secrets of the future.
For generations, the role of coastal women has often been confined to the narrative of “guardians of the land”—those who tend the hearth and wait anxiously on the shore for their husbands to return.
This harsh reality reaches its peak during the East Monsoon season, a time of scarcity. The high cost of going to sea—especially for fuel—often ends in disappointment when nets are hauled back empty.
At such moments, the ocean’s abundant potential feels like “gold” that turns into worthless “lead” before it can even be grasped.
Sasi: From Customary Restriction to Empowerment “Permit”
For centuries, Sasi has been a noble tradition in Maluku for protecting ecosystems. It is a customary law that prohibits harvesting certain marine resources for a specific period.
Through the CFI program, Sasi has evolved from a passive restriction into a modern economic instrument through ecolabeling.
“Sasi is a way for Negeri Laha to give the sea enough time to recover and protect marine life along its coasts.”
Today, the Sasi Label is no longer about simply “waiting” for nature to heal. It has become an entry point for women to actively participate. Sasi now sounds more like a “permit”—a permit for women to step beyond domestic roles and become key actors in building a sustainable fisheries economy.
Beyond Fish: A Lifeline During the East Monsoon
One of the most surprising outcomes of this transformation is the diversification into non-fishery products, particularly ecoprint batik. This innovation serves as a “second breath” for fishing households when the sea is too rough to navigate.
When husbands cannot go fishing, wives step forward to create value from land-based resources.
Why does ecoprint align with Blue Economy principles?
- Environmentally Friendly: Uses natural patterns from leaves, flowers, and stems without chemicals.
- High-Value Products: Processed into fashion items such as hijabs, scarves, bags, shirts, and wallets.
- National Recognition: The women’s group in Laha produced over 1,100 ecoprint items, helping their village win 3rd place nationally in the Developing Village category at the Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI).
Breaking the Poverty Chain Through Market Access
The main challenge for fishers in Maluku is not their ability to catch fish, but their limited access to markets. Without proper distribution, abundant catches often end up as low-value animal feed.
The Sasi Label bridges this gap by acting as a “badge of honor” on product packaging—guaranteeing quality and sustainability.
Through partnerships facilitated by the program, processed products such as shredded fish, liquid-smoked fish, and handicrafts have entered 10 modern retail outlets, with expansion targets of 20–30 outlets by the end of the project. These include:
- Santos Supermarket
- Fully Souvenir Center
- Santika Hotel Ambon Corner
- Dian Pertiwi Supermarket Ambon
- Manise Shop
- PT Angkasa Pura outlets at Pattimura Airport, Ambon
The Power of Numbers: Real Impact Behind the Label
The success of CFI Indonesia is reflected in measurable socio-economic impacts across coastal communities in Maluku and Papua:
- 5,238 fishers have received intensive training
- 1,637 (31%) are women actively benefiting from the program
- Total income from 10 women’s groups has exceeded IDR 180 million
- More than 1,600 women across 12 villages have been impacted
These figures show that women’s empowerment is not a complement—it is a driving force of rural prosperity.
The “Champions”: Dignity Earned Through Hard Work
To sustain this momentum, local leaders known as “Champions” have emerged—selected through rigorous criteria to become pioneers in their villages, such as in Ohoiwat Kidat.
Their role is to pass on knowledge and keep the community spirit alive.
For them, success is not just about income—it is about dignity.
“It’s not about the amount, but the dignity that comes with it. It feels different… this is the result of our own hard work.”
A Future That Smells of Opportunity, Not Despair
The transformation in Maluku shows that local wisdom like Sasi can serve as a foundation for developing Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)—a model of conservation managed effectively by communities outside formal protected areas.
Hands that once only waited are now creating. The smell of despair has been replaced by the fragrance of independence. The integration of tradition and modern management proves that it is possible to protect the ocean while improving human welfare.
Dear readers, if Sasi in Maluku can be activated into a modern, eco-friendly economic force, what unique tradition in your region is waiting to be awakened?
Editor: K. Azis