By: Rizal (Community Right Based Management Officer)and Sy. Y. Hadinata (Marine Species Assistant)

Sasi, a local wisdom that is used as a principle of community life in the Maluku Islands, strongly upholds the protection of natural heritage. As an activity that manages natural resources sustainably, sasi also has a noble value to strengthen the brotherhood between Ohoi / Villages to care for the surrounding environment. Ohoi Werka, is one of the parts in the administrative area of Southeast Maluku Regency which until now continues to maintain sasi so that marine resources are not exploited.

Broadly speaking, there are two sasi carried out by the Ohoi Werka community in protecting their area, namely sea sasi for all marine biota which is carried out for one year and sasi tembang fish (Sardinella)which is only carried out for three months. In the monitoring process, the community is trusted to monitor activities in Werka waters. If anyone takes fish in the area they will be fined and those who catch the perpetrators will get a reward of half the amount of the fine while the rest is left to the ohoi treasury.

Coinciding with the moment of the 2017 Meti Kei Enchantment Festival, WWF-Indonesia Inner Banda Arc Subseascape was given the honor to attend the invitation to open the sea sasi in Ohoi Werka. This 8 ha sasi is the first after approximately 20 years of not being conducted. Therefore, to continue preserving marine resources in the waters of Werka, the King is committed to continuing to conduct sea sasi every year.

This year's sasi laut was opened for harvesting together as a form of ceremony for one day, although in the following week the community is still allowed to carry out fishing activities. According to one of the people there, not only residents of Ohoi Werka can enjoy the harvest, but residents in other ohoi are also allowed.

Opening Sasi, Enjoying the Harvest
Traveling for an hour from Watdek Harbor, the group with Raja Waraka from Central Maluku Regency, Seram Island, who is a close relative of Raja Loorlobay Werka, arrived at Ohoi Werka. Upon arrival at the Ohoi Werka Jetty, Mr. Hendri Renut, the King of Loorlobay Werka, along with the Saniri or Customary Apparatus welcomed us warmly. A splash of coconut water accompanied the welcome to ward off evil spirits. Then the installation of traditional bracelets as proof of friendship and brotherhood.

From the pier to the traditional house "Rahan Loorlim Tauuukilmas" King Loorlobay Werka Arrow Dance escorted our steps, upon arrival in front of the traditional house Fan Dance or welcome dance performed with the intention of providing coolness to the guests. To enter the traditional house for the first time to come must step over the lela or colonial cannon so as not to be disturbed by ancestral spirits and traditionally the guests are officially accepted.

After sampling the traditional snacks on the table, the buka sasi procession began. Led by Raja Loorlobay, the community gathered together to harvest marine products that had not been utilized for almost a year since January 2017. All types of fish such as pelagic fish, reef fish and others are taken according to the size that is feasible to be utilized either for consumption or trade.

Ohoi around Werka was also invited to enjoy the harvest in order to maintain harmonious relations between residents. The harvest obtained is then enjoyed by burning it to be eaten together.
Because for them, conservation is not new to the people of the Maluku Islands, especially Ohoi Werka, because since the time of their ancestors they have been taught to utilize natural resources wisely so that they can be maintained into the future.