PERAN BUDAYA SASI DALAM KONSERVASI HUTAN MANGROVE DI NEGERI AMAHAI

Sasi is a form of local wisdom practiced by the people of Maluku and passed down across generations, functioning as a social mechanism for regulating the sustainable and responsible use of natural resources. This tradition encompasses ecological, social, economic, and religious dimensions that collectively maintain the balance between human activities and the natural environment. This study aims to provide an in-depth description of the implementation, role, and contribution of sasi to the conservation of mangrove forest ecosystems in Amahai Village, Central Maluku Regency. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using data obtained through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, fishing communities, and village authorities, as well as direct observations in mangrove areas governed by sasi regulations. The collected data were analyzed through processes of reduction, presentation, and inductive conclusion drawing. Findings indicate that sasi regulates the timing and manner of extracting marine and forest resources, thereby allowing mangrove ecosystems and coastal biota to recover and develop naturally. This practice illustrates a community-based environmental management model that remains relevant and adaptive to ongoing social dynamics and ecological changes in coastal regions of Maluku