Clan Traditions and Social Justice: An Examination of Customary Leadership in Bengkulu Province

Abstract

This study examines the persistence of clan traditions in local politics, focusing on the role of customary leaders in leadership elections in the former Pekal Sultanate, Mukomuko Regency, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. A qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and continuous observation with customary leaders, local government officials, and community members. The study reveals that the Pekal community has taken steps to preserve their cultural values and institutions, including the re-declaration of their community institution and the appointment of a new Sultan. However, challenges such as political interference, lack of recognition of customary land rights, changes in village governance, shifts in perspective within the community, commercialization of customary sanctions, and outside influences threaten the traditional role of the Clan Head. This research highlights the importance of preserving indigenous cultural institutions and the need for efforts to protect them from external challenges. The findings contribute to the broader discussion on the intersection of tradition and modernity in Indonesia, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and respecting local wisdom in governance and decision-making processes.