Survival strategies of two changing societies’ customary consultative assemblies: The orahua of Nias and the kerapatan adaik of West Sumatra

The discrepancy between customary governance systems and official village government systems can potentially result in conflict between indigenous communities and village officials, as evidenced in South Nias. Employing descriptive-qualitative field research that utilizes observational methods, interviews, and source documentation, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the orahua and the kerapatan adaik customary assemblies in North Sumatra’s Nias Island and in West Sumatra, respectively, conduct consultations to resolve issues. The study reveals that the capability of the customary consultation systems to operate as a platform for negotiations has been curtailed as a result of changes made to formal government systems and the restricted transfer of customary consultation values. The process of reinforcing customary consultation systems to maintain local identity and knowledge is deemed suboptimal. The research’s contribution is in promoting awareness among customary consultation stakeholders to involve women, young people, and non-nobles in the future. The research suggests the need for strengthening the orahua and the kerapatan adaik customary consultation systems through academic publications, which can serve as guidance for developing regional laws focused on improving the generational transfer of traditional consultation values.