Journal of Law and Legal Reform
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026

Reconstructing Alternative Dispute Resolution for Land Disputes Based on Local Wisdom in the Coastal Area of Tomini Bay

Fence M. Wantu (Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Weny Almoravid Dunga (Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Yassine Chami (College of Law, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Ahmad Ahmad (Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Muhammad Mukhtar (Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has long been recognized as an effective mechanism for resolving land disputes in Indonesia due to its emphasis on consensus and social harmony. However, the increasing reliance on formal legal procedures has marginalized local wisdom-based dispute resolution practices, particularly in coastal communities. Despite extensive studies on ADR, limited research has examined the integration of local wisdom into land dispute resolution in regions such as Tomini Bay. This study aims to reconstruct ADR mechanisms by incorporating local wisdom in resolving land disputes in the coastal area of Tomini Bay. It employs a normative legal approach, combining empirical data with analysis of statutory regulations, legal doctrines, and field data, using qualitative methods. The findings indicate that local wisdom-based mechanisms, particularly deliberation (musyawarah) and consensus (mufakat), remain effective in resolving disputes and maintaining social cohesion, yet are not fully integrated into the formal legal system. Therefore, this study argues that ADR should be reconstructed by integrating local wisdom and living law into Indonesia’s legal framework to ensure more culturally responsive and sustainable dispute resolution.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jllr

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The Journal seeks to disseminate information and views on matters relating to law reform, including developments in case and statute law, as well as proposals for law reform, be they from formal law reform bodies or from other institutions or ...