Journal of Adat Recht
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): JULY-JOAR

Local Wisdom in Customary Law as an Instrument for Environmental Protection

Yohanes Kamakaula (Program Studi Agribisnis, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Papua)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jul 2025

Abstract

Local wisdom in customary law plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental sustainability, particularly in indigenous communities that still uphold traditional values. However, this role has not been fully recognized and integrated into the national environmental legal system. This study aims to analyze how customary law functions as an environmental protection instrument and propose strategies for its integration within the national legal framework. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with a juridical-sociological research method, conducted through case studies in three indigenous communities: the Baduy (Banten), Dayak Kenyah (North Kalimantan), and Subak Bali. Data collection techniques included interviews, observation, and documentation studies, which were then analyzed thematically. The results show that customary legal practices such as Leuweung Kolot, Tane' Olen, and the Subak system have proven effective in maintaining environmental sustainability through customary norms, social sanctions, and spiritual values. However, formal recognition of customary territories remains limited. In conclusion, customary law has great potential as a legitimate and sustainable environmental protection instrument, and therefore needs to be substantively integrated into national environmental policy through a collaborative and community-based approach.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

JOAR

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Journal of Adat Recht is a journal with the theme of Legal Science, with benefits and objectives for the development of Legal Science, by prioritising the originality, specificity and recency of articles in each issue. The purpose of the publication of this Journal is to provide space to publish ...