The Role of Keujruen Blang in Rice Farming Governance in West Aceh: A Customary Law and Structural-Functional Analysis
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Abstract
This study examines the role of the Keujruen Blang customary institution in agricultural governance as a customary legal system in accordance with local wisdom in Aceh. The presence of customary institutions has received legal recognition through Qanun Number 10 of 2008 concerning customary institutions in article 25, that their duties and functions are a vital role in the management of rice farming. However, its existence is still strong in the peasant community, while the recognition of legality in the implementation of public policies is still weak. This inequality is a challenge for the implementation of adaptive laws according to agricultural governance practices. This situation has caused a disparity between legality and legal administration in the lives of farmers. This research was analyzed using the Talcott Parson AGIL framework approach. Based on the analysis of customary law from a structural-functional perspective in terms of adaptation, goal achievement, integration, and latency. This study uses normative legal methods with a socio-legal approach and qualitative design in the form of a case study in West Aceh. Primary and secondary data collection techniques are then analyzed through the stages of reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The focus of the research is limited to the effectiveness of the duties and functions of farmer customary institutions in the local customary law system as dynamic customary institutions in sustainable development. The Empirical Findings of the study show that the role of Keujruen Blang customary institutions is still culturally recognized but institutionally weak in formal agricultural governance. However, this customary institution is highly expected to be present by farmers in the governance of rice agriculture. The recommendations of the research results to strengthen the policies of the customary institutions of Keujruen Blang through stronger authorities, the existence of SOPs and collaboration with the village government and the agriculture office as inclusive partners can create a structurally and functionally superior agricultural system for both local and global farmers that are sustainable.
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