Panglima La'ôt (Acehnese language: sea commander) is a tribal leader in fishing community in Aceh province of Indonesia. He constitutes to organise Hukôm Adat La'ôt (customary maritime law). The law, which is developed upon the basis of Islamic Law and is not set out in writing, consists of a system of marine laws and regulations; in regard, the sea is a source of work and welfare. It varies in detail depending on local conventions and type of fishing gear. Keeping pace with development in fisheries, the custom was developing more rapidly than other custom laws and covered most general procedures, including leader selection process, organisational structure, role and duty, etc. The custom was established by the Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607–1637) of Acehnese Sultanate Samudera Pasai to maintain maritime affairs under Sultan mandate, i.e. regulating fishing seasons and rights as well as resolving local conflicts. The custom subsisted in local fishing community during Dutch colonial (1904–1942), Japanese occupation (1942–1945) and Indonesian government (1945 to date) eras. History Hukôm Adat Laôt law initially recognised during the era of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607–1637) of Acehnese Aceh Darussalam Sultanate. Historically, Panglima Laôt was a domain of Sultan sovereignty over maritime zones in Aceh. In making decision, he should coordinate with uleebalang (local authority officer). Historically it was a hereditary position; however, some of Panglima Laôts erected under the consideration of seniority and experience in maritime issues. Political recognition Initially Panglima Laôt has been officially recognised by the constitutional law in 1977, when Head of Aceh Besar District recognised rural organisational structure (District Letter No. 1/1977), which included Panglima Laôt. However, the letter did not describe any detail on its role and function. Provincial Regulation No. 2/1990 (Establishment and Development of Local Culture, Community Conventions and Customary Institutions in Aceh) recognised Panglima Laôt as the responsible party in maintaining local customs in marine (capture) fisheries. Role of Panglima Laôt confirmed in the latter Provincial Regulation No. 7/2000 (Application of Traditional Living in Aceh). From constitutional laws and administration perspectives, Panglima Laôt sits beyond the official structures; however, he maintains coordination with local authorities (governor, district head/mayor or sub district head). Compliance and enforcement According to the later provincial Panglima Laôt convention in 2002, Panglima Laôt institutionally structured to Panglima Lhôk, Chik Laôt and Provincial Panglima Laôt. Panglima Lhôk supervises a lhôk, a unique management unit in Hukôm Adat Laôt based on estuary or bay where