Socius: Social Sciences Research Journal
Vol 3, No 11 (2026): June 2026

The Application of Living and Recognized Customary Law as a Material Source of Law in Criminal Judicial Practice Based on Article 2 Paragraph (1) of the 2023 Criminal Code (KUHP)

Ibnu Daisaly Aziz (Faculty of Law, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia)
Abraham Ferry Rosando (Faculty of Law, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2026

Abstract

The recognition of living law as a material legal source in Article 2 paragraph (1) of the 2023 Criminal Code (KUHP) marks a significant paradigm shift in Indonesia’s criminal law system. This study aims to analyze the application of living and recognized customary law in judicial practice. Using a normative legal research method with statutory, conceptual, comparative, and case approaches, the results show that the application of customary law can function positively (as a basis for punishment) and negatively (as a ground for abolition or mitigation of punishment) if it meets the cumulative criteria in Article 2 paragraph (2) and is verified through Government Regulation No. 55 of 2025. In practice, the mechanism begins from the investigation stage to execution. However, it still faces various challenges, including multiple interpretations, regional disparities, the paradox of formalization, and the potential for judicial tyranny. Therefore, strengthening through more technical regulations, capacity building for law enforcement officials, and active participation of indigenous communities is urgently needed to realize restorative justice with legal certainty.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Socius

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Socius: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-ilmu Sosial is a multi and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed academic research journal serving the broad social sciences community. The journal welcomes excellent contributions that advance our understanding on a broad range of topics including anthropology, sociology, ...