The Legal and Regulatory Framework of adat Courts as an Alternative Dispute Resolution in Indonesia

Andreas Eno Tirtakusuma

Abstract


This study examines the legal and regulatory framework of Adat Courts in Indonesia, evaluating their viability as an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism. Despite the formal recognition of customary law in the 1945 Constitution and the new National Criminal Code (Law Number 1 of 2023), regulatory gaps persist regarding the harmonization of customary decisions with the national legal system. Utilizing a doctrinal legal approach with statutory, conceptual, and case analyses, this research investigates dispute resolution mechanisms across various customary jurisdictions. The findings reveal that Adat Courts offer a highly effective, restorative justice-oriented approach that promotes social harmony. However, their implementation requires rigorous state supervision to prevent conflicts with constitutional rights. This research contributes a novel perspective by positioning Adat Courts not merely as an ADR, but as a Primary Dispute Resolution (PDR) mechanism within a legally pluralistic framework. Robust supporting regulations are essential to prevent the rigid codification of dynamic customary laws while ensuring legal certainty.

Keywords


Alternative Dispute Resolution; Customary Resolution; Legal Harmonization; Local Wisdom.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26532/jph.v13i2.50917

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