<![CDATA[Abstract: This study aims to examine in depth the role of religion and culture as primary capital in the civil disobedience movement of the Agam Regency community against Government Regulation (GR) No. 84 of 1999 on the territorial expansion of Bukittinggi City. This policy triggered sustained collective resistance for over two decades, perceived as a form of administrative tyranny that threatened social ideology, the integrity of the nagari, and the community's religious existence. Theoretical framework: Theologically, this resistance is legitimized through the doctrine of al-isyan al-madani and the principle of critical obedience, aimed at protecting the dharuriyyāt (essential) dimensions: religion (hifz al-din), communal customary property (hifz al-mal), and social identity (hifz al-nasl). This theological defense fundamentally aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Method: Employing an Islamic legal sociology approach within a qualitative case study design, this research analyzes data from in-depth interviews with customary elites (niniak mamak) and religious leaders (alim ulama), as well as historical conflict documents. Results: The findings reveal that civil disobedience in Agam is deeply rooted in the philosophical doctrine of rajo alim rajo disambah, rajo zalim rajo disanggah (a just ruler is revered, an unjust ruler is resisted). Implications: This study underscores the urgent need to reorient national law-making processes toward deliberative values and the recognition of local sociocultural authority to ensure the sustainable achievement of the SDGs. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in uncovering the mechanism of theo-cultural civil disobedience, which effectively rendered the state's positive law dormant (statutory dormancy) for 25 years through the superior legitimacy of living law. The ultimate success of this movement, culminating in the enactment of Law No. 53 of 2024, demonstrates that Islamic and cultural modalities can effectively neutralize policies lacking moral legitimacy and actively drive the realization of SDGs.]]>
