Adat Sasi in the Concept of Local Economic Democracy in Maluku

This study aims to analyze Sasi customary law as a representation of economic democracy grounded in local wisdom among indigenous communities in Central Maluku. A qualitative case study approach was conducted across three customary regions: Haruku Island, Leihitu, and Teon Nila Serua. The findings reveal that Sasi is not only a tool for environmental conservation but also a community-based economic system that emphasizes public participation, distributive justice, and sustainable resource governance. The system regulates land and marine resource use through communal consensus, traditional oversight, and fair distribution. Moreover, Sasi aligns with the principles of maqashid al-shari’ah in Islam, particularly the protection of wealth, life, intellect, progeny, and religion. This research also confirms that Sasi embodies the core values of economic democracy as articulated in Article 33 of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution, namely economic sovereignty and a system based on kinship. Thus, Sasi customary law should be recognized and integrated into national economic legal policy as an alternative model for achieving social justice and sustainable development through local values.