Local Wisdom in Maritime Knowledge Systems and Traditional Fisherfolk Governance: A Literature Review

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_31How to use a DOI?

Keywords

local wisdom; maritime; traditional governance

Abstract

This article examines significance of local wisdom in shaping maritime knowledge systems and traditional governance among fishing communities in Indonesia. Using a literature review approach, this study reveals that traditional knowledge transmitted across generations through observation, oral traditions, and collective practices functions as an adaptive mechanism for managing the marine environment. Practices such as seasonal fishing bans, spatial zoning, and ritual obligations are not only technical guidelines for resource use but also instruments to strengthen social cohesion, cultural identity, and ecological balance. The findings highlight that traditional governance, legitimized by social and spiritual values, operates through collective decision-making, customary sanctions, and hierarchical leadership that enable communities to regulate fishing activities and maintain marine ecosystem sustainability. However, modernization, climate change, and top-down state policies increasingly challenge these systems, creating tensions between formal regulations and customary practices. Nevertheless, there are opportunities to develop hybrid governance models that integrate local wisdom with formal regulations and technological innovations. Such integration is essential to reinforce ecological sustainability, empower local actors, and preserve cultural identity amidst global maritime transformation. The conclusion is recognizing and integrating local wisdom is key to establishing inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable coastal governance in Indonesia.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Melda Agriya Ningsih Nurdin
AU  - Rabina Yunus
AU  - Irwan Ade Saputra
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/03/13
TI  - Local Wisdom in Maritime Knowledge Systems and Traditional Fisherfolk Governance: A Literature Review
BT  - Proceedings of the World Conference on Governance and Social Sciences 2025 (WCGSS 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 454
EP  - 477
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_31
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_31
ID  - Nurdin2026
ER  -