Women’s Protection within Dayak Ngaju Customary Law: A Socio - Cultural Analysis of Indigenous Sanctions for Breaches of Morality
Keywords:
Customary Law, Restorative Justice, Sociology of Law, Women’s ProtectionAbstract
In rural Dayak Ngaju communities of Central Kalimantan, formal legal systems often prioritize retribution over the social and psychological recovery of female victims, leaving indigenous women vulnerable to persistent social stigma and marginalization. This study analyzes the mechanisms through which Dayak Ngaju customary law protects and restores women’s dignity via the Singer (customary fine) system. Applying a legal sociological framework to codified customary articles (Articles 3-13), the research evaluates the "Living Law" philosophy and the restorative role of the Basara Adat (customary council). Results reveal that the Singer system historically rooted in the 1894 Tumbang Anoi Peace Treaty with 96 codified fines, effectively restores the "13 aspects of cosmic balance" by centering justice on the victim. Specifically, Articles 7-9 regarding illicit pregnancy ensure that perpetrators bear full accountability, including fines reaching 210 kati ramu and spiritual cleansing costs (penggantin petak danum), thereby shielding women from economic and social burdens. Furthermore, preventive sanctions like Singer Sala Basa (Articles 10-13) protect women from harassment by establishing public validation of their honor before the community. The study concludes that Dayak Ngaju customary law provides a sophisticated, gender-sensitive restorative framework that mitigates "victim-blaming" and effectively complements formal state law. By embedding protection within the "Belum Bahadat" (honorable living) philosophy, these customary mechanisms ensure that women remain active social subjects whose dignity is integral to communal stability.
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