In Indonesia pre-existing systems of fisheries management were delegitimized during the 'New Order Era' (1966–1998), and revived after the 'Reform Era' began, in 1998. Three such systems are examined; the awig–awig and sawen of North Lombok, and the petuanan and sasi of Maluku. Based on the pre-existing system that contained sawen, with its basic values and norms for integrated management of forest, farmland and coastal resources, local people took the initiative to revive three awig–awig, and adapted them to both combat destructive fishing practices and implement sustainable fisheries management. Sea tenure in Maluku is based on the concept of petuanan laut, the sea territory of a particular social group, to which 'the right to eat' (compounded from the rights of access, usage and exploitation) and 'the right of ownership' are attached. Sasi refers to the beliefs, rules and rituals regarding temporal prohibitions for a petuanan laut. The performance of pre-existing fisheries management systems is evaluated and national policy for them examined.