A New Path for Conservation: The Role of Sasi as Indigenous Traditions in Addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis

Sasi, an indigenous conservation practice in Indonesia, is a means to address the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Sasi involves the temporary restriction of exploitation within specific geographic areas or for certain species, thereby allowing natural resources the necessary time and space to regenerate. Such approaches harmonizes the interests of human and non-human beings. This paper will argue that the current mainstream conservation framework is insufficient to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of the planetary crisis. To substantiate this argument, we apply four foundational ecological principles—ecological integrity, limits, primacy and justice—as a lens through which to assess whether indigenous practices like Sasi provide viable solutions. This analysis is informed by three complementary methodologies: first, a comparative examination of the concept of law in the Anthropocene; second, field research conducted in two regions of Maluku, Haruku and Aru Island, where Sasi is actively practiced; and third, expert discussions to contextualize indigenous conservation from an academic perspective. Our findings suggest that Sasi aligns closely with the four ecological principles. Sasi plays an important role in maintaining ecological integrity and limits by limiting resource exploitation in certain areas, allowing for natural regeneration of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The temporary prohibition of use in Sasi shows the commitment of indigenous peoples to place the preservation of nature as a primacy, beyond current needs, in order to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations. Ecological justice is manifested in Sasi’s equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that both current and future generations benefit from sustainable practices. Ultimately, this paper will look at local, national, and international legal instruments that provide space for the integration of understandings of ecological integrity, limits, primacy and justice as found in Sasi, and identify best practices in existing legal instruments. The aim is to strengthen and adopt indigenous conservation practices like Sasi to be considered integral to addressing the pressing challenges of the planetary crisis.