Reinforcing Recognition of Customary Law: MAI Encourages Regional Authorities Nationwide to Formulate Rules Based on Living Law
PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN , (Jakarta)— The Indonesian Customary Council (MAI) is calling on local governments throughout Indonesia to collaborate with customary institutions in drafting regional regulations governing customary law. This strategic move represents a concrete step in realizing MAI’s vision and mission to preserve local traditions and culture, while aligning regional regulations with the latest national standards.
This initiative directly refers to Government Regulation No. 55 of 2025, concerning Procedures and Criteria for Recognizing Living Law within Society. The regulation establishes a solid legal foundation for the recognition and application of customary law within the national legal system, and has been designated as a top priority in MAI’s 2026 Work Program.
As an immediate measure, MAI chapters at the regional level are expected to finalize academic papers on the subject for submission to provincial governments. These documents will serve as guidelines and a robust legal basis for regency and municipal governments to develop draft regional regulations specifically addressing customary law.
MAI Secretary-General M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso emphasized that this effort reflects both a moral and administrative responsibility to ensure that customary law gains legal certainty under state law.
“This step is our collective endeavor to ensure that customary law holds permanent legal standing in the eyes of the state. Beyond preservation, this is a vital moment to build strong, sustainable synergy between customary institutions and local governments,” stated M. Rafik.
Through this regulatory reinforcement, MAI aims to see the traditional rights and social structures of indigenous communities across the archipelago better protected, duly respected, and harmonized with national development efforts.
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Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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