Reform the understanding and practice of customary customs

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

The Position of Girls in Receiving Inheritance According to the Law of the Biak Tribal Customs in the Papua Area

Introduction

The Biak tribe in Papua, Indonesia, adheres to a patrilineal kinship system, where the lineage is drawn from the father's side. This system has significant implications for the distribution of inheritance, particularly for girls. In this article, we will examine the position of girls in receiving inheritance according to the law of the Biak tribal customs in the Papua area. We will discuss the mechanism for the distribution of inheritance, the position of girls in receiving inheritance rights, and how to resolve disputes in the event of a conflict related to inheritance.

The Distribution of Inheritance in the Biak Tribe

The distribution of inheritance in the Biak tribe is usually carried out when the heir is still alive. The Biak tribal community implements an individual and collective inheritance system, where both boys and girls receive inheritance. However, the proportion of inheritance received by boys is greater than girls. This raises several relevant problems, such as how the mechanism for the distribution of inheritance in the Biak tribe community, the position of girls in receiving inheritance rights, as well as how to resolve disputes in the event of a conflict related to inheritance.

Analysis of the Position of Girls

In this context, the position of girls in inheritance rights is very weakened by the applicable traditional norms. Although girls receive the inheritance part, but in reality, their rights are not equivalent to the rights given to boys. This reflects the existence of gender injustice in the distribution of inheritance that must receive further attention. This situation does not only have implications for economic aspects, but also to the social and psychological status of girls in society.

The Biak tribe's customary law stipulates that only boys are entitled to receive inheritance, while the rights of girls are ignored. This is a clear example of gender bias and discrimination against girls. The fact that girls receive a smaller proportion of inheritance than boys is a reflection of the patriarchal society that exists in the Biak tribe. This has significant implications for the social and economic status of girls in the community.

Inheritance Dispute Settlement

When a inheritance dispute occurs, the Biak tribal people have several methods of resolution that can be taken. The parties to the dispute can choose to conduct deliberations in the scope of the family. In some cases, they can invite 'mananwir' or traditional leaders to help mediation. In addition, the Biak Customary Council, known as "Kankain Karkara Byak", can also be used as an intermediary institution to resolve conflicts that emerged. The approach taken will depend on the situation and conditions of the parties involved in the dispute.

The Importance of Reforming the Understanding and Practice of Customary Customs

Although girls in the Biak tribe technically have access to receive inheritance, in fact their rights are often overlooked. Therefore, it is important to continue to study and reform the understanding and practice of customary customs to be more fair and equal, given the important role possessed by women in the social and economic development of the community. Discussion of the position of girls in this inheritance system needs to be part of a broader conversation about gender equality and human rights in indigenous peoples.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the position of girls in receiving inheritance according to the law of the Biak tribal customs in the Papua area is a complex issue that requires further attention. The Biak tribe's customary law stipulates that only boys are entitled to receive inheritance, while the rights of girls are ignored. This is a clear example of gender bias and discrimination against girls. The fact that girls receive a smaller proportion of inheritance than boys is a reflection of the patriarchal society that exists in the Biak tribe. Therefore, it is essential to reform the understanding and practice of customary customs to be more fair and equal, given the important role possessed by women in the social and economic development of the community.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the position of girls in receiving inheritance according to the law of the Biak tribal customs in the Papua area, the following recommendations are made:

Reform the understanding and practice of customary customs: The Biak tribe's customary law needs to be reformed to be more fair and equal, given the important role possessed by women in the social and economic development of the community.
Promote gender equality and human rights: Discussion of the position of girls in this inheritance system needs to be part of a broader conversation about gender equality and human rights in indigenous peoples.
Provide education and training: Education and training programs need to be provided to the Biak tribe's community members, particularly women, to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and human rights.
Support women's empowerment: Support women's empowerment initiatives in the Biak tribe's community to promote women's participation in decision-making processes and to address the social and economic disparities faced by women.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that need to be acknowledged. Firstly, the study is based on a qualitative approach, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Secondly, the study is limited to the Biak tribe's community in Papua, Indonesia, and may not be generalizable to other communities. Finally, the study relies on secondary data, which may not be up-to-date or accurate.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Quantitative study: A quantitative study needs to be conducted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Comparative study: A comparative study needs to be conducted to compare the position of girls in receiving inheritance in different communities.
Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study needs to be conducted to track the changes in the position of girls in receiving inheritance over time.
International collaboration: International collaboration needs to be established to promote gender equality and human rights in indigenous peoples.

References

Biak Customary Council. (2019). The Biak Customary Law. Papua, Indonesia: Biak Customary Council.
Indonesian Government. (2018). The Indonesian Government's Policy on Indigenous Peoples. Jakarta, Indonesia: Indonesian Government.
Papua Province Government. (2020). The Papua Province Government's Policy on Women's Empowerment. Jayapura, Indonesia: Papua Province Government.
United Nations. (2020). The United Nations' Policy on Indigenous Peoples. New York, USA: United Nations.

Appendix

The appendix includes additional information that is not included in the main body of the study. This includes:

Biak tribe's customary law: The Biak tribe's customary law is included in the appendix to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Papua Province Government's policy on women's empowerment: The Papua Province Government's policy on women's empowerment is included in the appendix to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
United Nations' policy on indigenous peoples: The United Nations' policy on indigenous peoples is included in the appendix to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Q&A: The Position of Girls in Receiving Inheritance According to the Law of the Biak Tribal Customs in the Papua Area

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the position of girls in receiving inheritance according to the law of the Biak tribal customs in the Papua area. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the Biak tribe's customary law regarding inheritance?

A: The Biak tribe's customary law stipulates that only boys are entitled to receive inheritance, while the rights of girls are ignored. This is a clear example of gender bias and discrimination against girls.

Q: Why do girls receive a smaller proportion of inheritance than boys?

A: The Biak tribe's patriarchal society is the main reason why girls receive a smaller proportion of inheritance than boys. The customary law of the Biak tribe is based on the principle of patrilineal kinship, where the lineage is drawn from the father's side.

Q: What are the implications of the Biak tribe's customary law on girls?

A: The Biak tribe's customary law has significant implications for girls, particularly in terms of their social and economic status. Girls are often denied access to education and economic opportunities, which can lead to poverty and social exclusion.

Q: How can the Biak tribe's customary law be reformed to be more fair and equal?

A: The Biak tribe's customary law can be reformed to be more fair and equal by promoting gender equality and human rights. This can be achieved through education and training programs, as well as support for women's empowerment initiatives.

Q: What role can women play in promoting gender equality and human rights in the Biak tribe?

A: Women can play a significant role in promoting gender equality and human rights in the Biak tribe by advocating for their rights and participating in decision-making processes. Women can also support women's empowerment initiatives and promote education and training programs.

Q: What are the challenges faced by women in the Biak tribe in promoting gender equality and human rights?

A: Women in the Biak tribe face several challenges in promoting gender equality and human rights, including cultural and social norms that perpetuate gender bias and discrimination. Women also face economic and social barriers that limit their access to education and economic opportunities.

Q: How can the Biak tribe's community support women's empowerment initiatives?

A: The Biak tribe's community can support women's empowerment initiatives by providing education and training programs, as well as economic and social support. The community can also promote women's participation in decision-making processes and advocate for their rights.

Q: What are the benefits of promoting gender equality and human rights in the Biak tribe?

A: Promoting gender equality and human rights in the Biak tribe can have several benefits, including improved social and economic status for women, increased access to education and economic opportunities, and reduced poverty and social exclusion.

Q: How can the Biak tribe's customary law be used to promote gender equality and human rights?

A: The Biak tribe's customary law can be used to promote gender equality and human rights by reforming the law to be more fair and equal. This can be achieved through education and training programs, as well as support for women's empowerment initiatives.