Living Law and the Digitalization of Communal Intellectual Property: The Dialectic of Customary Law and the National Data Center

Authors

  • Muhammad Citra Ramadhan Universitas Medan Area, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25217/jm.v10i2.6643

Keywords:

Communal Intellectual Property, Customary Law, Digitalization, Living Law

Abstract

The digitization of Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) through the National Data Center is a strategic policy to prevent biopiracy and strengthen legal protection. However, this step presents a dilemma: providing formal legal certainty, but potentially shifting the living law that grows in the socio-cultural practices of indigenous communities. The objective and problem formulation are to analyze the interaction between the digitization of KIK and customary law, and to find solutions so that formal legal certainty can go hand in hand with the sustainability of living law. The theory and method used are Eugen Ehrlich's theory of living law, which emphasizes law as something alive in social interactions. The research method is a normative-critical approach with socio-legal analysis. The results show that the digitization of KIK is important for documentation and strengthening the legal position at the international level. However, there are risks of bureaucratization, homogenization, and state domination. Recommendations: build a community-based participatory system supported by blockchain technology, smart contracts, and recognition of customary law in national regulations.

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Published

2025-11-10

How to Cite

Citra Ramadhan , M. (2025). Living Law and the Digitalization of Communal Intellectual Property: The Dialectic of Customary Law and the National Data Center . Jurnal Mahkamah : Kajian Ilmu Hukum Dan Hukum Islam, 10(2), 275–290. https://doi.org/10.25217/jm.v10i2.6643

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