THE DYNAMICS OF CUSTOMARY KINSHIP LEGAL SYSTEMS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL CERTAINTY REGARDING CUSTOMARY LAND RIGHTS IN JAYAPURA CITY
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2026-06-30Downloads
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the customary kinship legal system regarding the control and management of customary land in Jayapura City, and to examine the implications of these dynamics for the legal certainty of rights over such land. The research concludes that the customary kinship legal system plays a fundamental role in determining the control and management of customary land in Jayapura City. Genealogical ties, clans, families, and indigenous communities form the basis for establishing legal relationships with the land, determining how rights are acquired and inherited, and identifying who holds the authority to decide on land utilization. Consequently, customary land is not viewed merely as an economic asset but as an integral part of the social identity, history, culture, and continuity of indigenous communities. While the customary kinship legal system in Jayapura City is dynamic and adaptive, such changes require mechanisms that can preserve the social legitimacy and collective value of the land while simultaneously aligning with societal evolution. Furthermore, the dynamics of the customary kinship legal system have direct implications for the legal certainty of rights over customary land. Shifts in kinship structures can influence the determination of rights holders, the nature of an individual's relationship with the land, management authority, inheritance mechanisms, and the legitimacy of decision-making regarding land use. In the absence of adequate mechanisms for clarification and recognition, overlapping claims and ambiguity regarding rightful claimants may arise. Beyond the certainty of the rights holders, kinship dynamics also affect the certainty regarding the land itself specifically its definition and boundaries.
Keywords:
Dynamics Legal System Customary Kinship Implications Legal Certainty Rights to Customary LandReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Frans Reumi, Farida Kaplele, Tom Alfa S. Reumi, Hasmi Irianti
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