Customary Marine Tenure and Community-Based Conservation: A Case Study of the Moi Kelim People in Sorong

This study analyzes the customary marine tenure system and community-based conservation practices among the Moi Kelim people in Sorong, Southwest Papua.The primary focus is the egek system, an indigenous mechanism that regulates fishing zones, seasonal bans, and marine rituals as a form of ecological and spiritual governance passed down through generations.Employing a descriptive qualitative approach and policy analysis, the research examines the structure of customary institutions, the effectiveness of conservation practices, and the interaction between customary authorities and state policies in coastal governance.The findings reveal that the egek system plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance while reinforcing the social identity of the Moi Kelim community.Customary rules implemented through clan deliberations and social monitoring have proven effective in preventing overexploitation of marine resources without bureaucratic intervention.However, the interaction with state policies often generates epistemic tension between administrative rationality and the ecological morality of indigenous communities.Legal recognition through co-management represents a strategic step forward, yet the sustainability of this system depends on establishing an equitable synergy between customary law and state regulation.The study underscores the importance of recognizing local knowledge and ecological spirituality as fundamental pillars for achieving blue justice and sustainable marine governance in Indonesia.