Nusantara: Journal Law and Islamic Law
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): Nusantara: Journal of Law and Islamic Law

The Sebambangan Tradition: Legal Implications Under Indonesian Marriage Law

Imam Afwa Robbi (UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jan 2026

Abstract

The intersection of state, religious, and customary laws in Indonesia creates complex legal pluralism, particularly concerning the Sebambangan (customary elopement) tradition in Lampung. Often mischaracterized as criminal abduction, it fundamentally serves as a customary dispute resolution mechanism. This study examines the structural anatomy, sociological shifts, and legal implications of Sebambangan in Padang Ratu Village, Central Lampung, through the dual lenses of Indonesian Positive Marriage Law and Islamic jurisprudence ('Urf). Employing an empirical qualitative methodology with an anthropological jurisprudence approach, data were gathered through participant observation and in-depth interviews with customary leaders. The findings reveal that Sebambangan does not contravene the national Marriage Law; mutual consent is explicitly evidenced by the Tengepik letter, thereby nullifying criminal abduction elements. Within Islamic law, it is classified as 'Urf Sahih (valid custom) as it prevents adultery and facilitates formal marriage registration, provided it does not infringe upon prior betrothals. Ultimately, Sebambangan exemplifies a progressive legal pluralism where customary mediation seamlessly harmonizes with state administrative certainty and religious validity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

nusantara

Publisher

Subject

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

Description

Nusantara: Journal of Law and Islamic Law is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to the advancement of legal scholarship at the intersection of general law and Islamic jurisprudence. The journal aims to foster a rigorous intellectual dialogue between the unique legal traditions ...