Jurnal Fuaduna: Jurnal Kajian Keagamaan dan Kemasyarakatan
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

The Malakok Tradition as a Customary Kinship Mechanism for Building Interreligious Tolerance in Minangkabau Society

Selvi Rahmadania (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)
Novi Hendri (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The Malakok tradition, locally known as Mangaku Induak, is a customary kinship mechanism through which individuals are incorporated into the social and genealogical structure of Minangkabau society. Beyond its function of establishing customary belonging, Malakok may also provide a social space for negotiating difference and fostering interreligious relations. This study aims to examine the process through which Malakok is practiced and to analyze its role in generating social acceptance, kinship solidarity, and interreligious tolerance in Pauh Duo District, South Solok Regency, West Sumatra. Employing a qualitative field research design, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving interreligious Malakok participants, niniak mamak, customary leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, and local residents. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and SaldaƱa. The findings indicate that Malakok involves family deliberation, approval by niniak mamak, and a customary ceremony that formally legitimizes an individual's incorporation into a Minangkabau kinship network. More importantly, the practice extends customary belonging across religious boundaries: Christian and Catholic individuals can be incorporated into customary families without relinquishing their religious identities. Interreligious tolerance is subsequently sustained through familial relations, participation in communal activities, mutual assistance, and everyday solidarity. The study demonstrates that Malakok functions not merely as a mechanism of customary integration but also as a locally embedded institution for negotiating religious difference, strengthening social cohesion, and sustaining interreligious coexistence in a plural society.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

fuaduna

Publisher

Subject

Religion Social Sciences

Description

Jurnal FUADUNA: Jurnal Kajian Keagamaan dan Kemasyarakatan is a peer-reviewed journal which is published by Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Bukitinggi in collaboration with Himpunan Peminat Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin (HIPIUS) and publishes biannually in June and December. It focuses mainly on the ...