Application of Criminal Law in Settlement of Merariq Customary Marriage Disputes of the Sasak Tribe of Lombok

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the application of criminal law in the settlement of Merariq customary marriage disputes in the Sasak Tribe community in Lombok. Merariq custom is a marriage tradition that has distinctive values and norms regulated by customary law, but in some cases, this marriage dispute also involves violations of criminal law, such as acts of domestic violence (KDRT), neglect, or violation of individual rights. This research uses a qualitative approach with case studies, as well as collecting data through interviews with related parties, such as law enforcement officials, customary leaders, and local communities. The results of the study show that the application of criminal law in the settlement of Merariq customary marriage disputes often faces obstacles due to the incompatibility between more flexible customary law norms and more formal and firm state legal norms. The conflict between the two poses challenges in creating a fair and harmonious settlement. This research also provides recommendations on the importance of alignment between customary law and state law, as well as increasing legal awareness for the community to overcome legal problems that arise in the context of Merariq customary marriage.