The Role of Traditional Leaders in the Enforcement of Acehnese Customary Justice

The degeneration of any society can lead to disharmony and imbalance within the society. Taking a case to a formal court takes time and money. In order to reduce the number of cases heard by the formal courts, an informal court called "Peradilan Adat" needed to be established. Many cases occurring in Aceh's rural society are resolved by the Aceh Customary Institutional Court (Peradilan Adat Aceh). The court has jurisdiction over eighteen cases and is heard by a judicial staff composed of village chiefs, Islamic scholars and other trusted public figures. The resolution of disputes is based on the voluntary consensus of both parties. Therefore, this decision is a "win-win solution". The decision (judgment) is final and binding in nature. Aceh provincial police agency POLDA and the Aceh Customs Assembly signed a memorandum of understanding recognizing and respecting the decision of the Aceh Customs Court.