Panglima Laot: His Legacy and Role in Conserving Marine Resources in Aceh, Indonesia

¹ Syiah Kuala University, Adat Department, 23111 Banda Aceh, Indonesia
² Universiti Sains Malaysia, History Section School of Humanities, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
² Syiah Kuala University, Law and Society Department, 23111 Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of a historical heritage and its practices based on local wisdom to develop sustainable marine resources in Aceh. Local wisdom can be translated through the examination of the significant role played by the Panglima Laot (Sea Commander) as the enforcer of the Customary Law of the sea in Aceh. This law exists since the glorious era of the Kingdom of Aceh from the 17th century. The role played by the Panglima Laot underlines local wisdom in managing and ensuring the sustainability of the seas, an important economic source for the coastal community in Aceh. The sea is the lifeblood of the Acehnese coastal communities. From a historical point of view, Panglima Laot played a major role in safeguarding and nurturing the sea for the benefits of marine activities and maintaining the marine environment and its natural state, as a common property that should not be destroyed for the good of the future. Panglima Laot also managed marine resources that can be exploited and empowers the population to undertake marine activities in accordance with the customary requirements and the interests of society as a whole. In ensuring the effectiveness of the functions, the role of Panglima Laot is strengthened by the existence of special rules concerning marine and fishing practices established for generations through Adat Laot (Aceh Customary of the sea) to ensure the longterm harmony and sustainability of Aceh's marine resources.