<![CDATA[The phenomenon of tedong petarung in Toraja has generated controversy due to its shift from the traditional tedong silaga, which historically formed part of Torajan customary rituals. This practice has evolved into entertainment and competition frequently associated with gambling activities. This study aims to analyze tedong petarung as a form of cultural distortion from the perspectives of customary law and criminal law, as well as to examine the limits of customary culture recognition within the national legal system. This research employs a normative legal method using statutory, conceptual, and sociological approaches. Legal materials were collected through library research consisting of legislation, legal literature, journals, and related documents. The study finds that tedong silaga possesses legitimacy as part of Torajan customary culture containing social, symbolic, and spiritual values. However, modern tedong petarung practices demonstrate a shift toward commercialization and gambling, obscuring the philosophical values of the original tradition. From a criminal law perspective, such practices potentially fulfill the elements of gambling offenses under Indonesian positive law. This study concludes that recognition of customary culture must remain aligned with public order, morality, and national law.]]>
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