Khazanah Hukum
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Khazanah Hukum

Recognition of Customary Norms Within the Framework of Indonesian Legal Positivism

Firdaus Arifin (Faculty of Law, Universitas Pasundan, Bandung)
I Gde Pantja Astawa (Faculty of Law, Universitas Padjajaran, Bandung)
Ihsanul Maarif (Faculty of Law, Universitas Pasundan, Bandung)
Dewi Sulastri (Faculty of Sharia and Law, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung)
Mohd Kamarulnizam Abdullah (Institut of Malaysian and International Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Apr 2025

Abstract

The recognition of customary norms within Indonesia’s legal system continues to face challenges due to the dominance of legal positivism, which emphasizes legal certainty through codified regulations. Although Article 18B (2) of the 1945 Constitution acknowledges the existence of indigenous legal communities, its implementation within the national legal system remains limited and conditional, leading to legal uncertainty for indigenous groups. This study aims to analyze how customary norms are recognized within Indonesia’s positive legal system and to identify the challenges and opportunities in harmonizing these two legal frameworks. This research employs a normative legal method with a conceptual and statutory approach, analyzed qualitatively using a descriptive-analytical framework. The findings reveal that customary law remains marginalized within the national legal system due to inconsistencies in regulations and court rulings, as well as the absence of a clear harmonization mechanism. The implications of this study emphasize the need for more inclusive legal reforms, enhanced capacity-building for law enforcement officials, and a stronger role for Indigenous communities in legal policymaking. These measures are expected to strengthen the recognition of customary law within the national legal system, contributing to greater substantive justice for Indigenous communities.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

kh

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Khazanah Hukum is an international journal published three times a year by the Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati. This journal discusses aspects of law in the Indonesian context and the context of globalization. The languages used in this journal are Indonesian and English. Khazanah Hukum ...