The Malay-Chinese Family Inheritance System in East Belitung Regency within the Framework of Legal Pluralism in Indonesia

Authors

  • Julianda Raden Mas Said State Islamic University, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Diana Zuhroh Raden Mas Said State Islamic University, Surakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35961/teraju.v8i01.2701

Keywords:

inheritance, Malay-Chinese, legal pluralism, distributive justice, local legal culture

Abstract

This study aims to understand the inheritance system of Malay-Chinese families in East Belitung within the framework of legal pluralism in Indonesia. The phenomenon studied focuses on the dynamics of interaction between customary law, religious law and state law in inheritance practices amongst multi-ethnic communities living side by side socially and culturally. Using a normative-empirical qualitative approach, this study explores and examines which inheritance laws are specifically used in multicultural communities in Indonesia. Data was collected with , through semi-structured interviews and documentation, involving religious leaders, customary elders, officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and members of mixed Malay-Chinese families. The results show that the inheritance system of the Malay-Chinese community is hybrid and flexible, with a distribution pattern that does not fully adhere to any particular legal system. Inheritance practices are based on the principle of distributive justice based on need, where family harmony and deliberation form the basis of social legitimacy. There has also been a shift in gender roles that marks a change in values towards equality between sons and daughters. It was found that the compromise between customary law, religion and the state reflects a form of adaptive coexistence of legal pluralism, where social compliance is determined more by moral values than by formal rules

References

Interview with Arman alias Chong Kwi Khiong ( Head of a mixed), in Manggar Manggar, Belitung , on 1 December 2025, at 7.00 pm.

Interview with Bambang (Religious Buddhist / Vihara Kasih Meitraya), in the Damar, Regency East Belitung, on 13 November 2025, at21.00 WIB.

Interview with Anwari (Malay Traditional Malay of the / Head of Religious of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for East Belitung , Manggar, on13 November 2025, at11.00 WIB.

Interview with Ayi (Elder Chinese ), in Gantung Sub-district, East Belitung, on 17 November 2025, at 5.30 pm.

Interview with Ferly Bong (Bong Kim Hau), a resident of Chinese descent, in the sub-district Manggar, East Belitung Regency, on 23 November 2025.

Interview with Tony, alias Thiuk Tet Khong (Head of the mixed), in Gantung Gantung, Belitung , on 25 December 2025, at 11.00 pm.

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Julianda, & Zuhroh, D. (2026). The Malay-Chinese Family Inheritance System in East Belitung Regency within the Framework of Legal Pluralism in Indonesia. TERAJU, 8(01), 47–59. https://doi.org/10.35961/teraju.v8i01.2701

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 01 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Julianda Julianda

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