The Customary Law of the Communal Property and Sustainability in Coping with the Economic Impact of Covid-19 in Minangkabau Indigenous Peoples, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: This paper explores the culture of the Minangkabau indigenous peoples, West Sumatra, Indonesia, in the customary law of communal property to ensure the economic sustainability of the communal members who face the economic impact of COVID-19. Our study focuses on implementing the cultural heritage of property management of the indigenous peoples of Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The cultural law of this Minangkabau ethnic can maintain access to land to ensure food security and economic sustainability for their communal members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.   Methods: This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study type of the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra, Indonesia. We collected the data through informal interviews and observations of the nine families and their communal (clan) leaders as the main objects of the study. We interviewed 21 informants. We interviewed and observed exploring these nine families' experiences from January until October 2021.   Results: We discovered that the customary law of ganggam bauntuak property ownership and mamak leadership in communal settlements could ensure the economic sustainability of the members affected by COVID-19. Mutual support and the balance between management of communal ownership and democratic leadership enable communal members to maintain their economic sustainability during times of crisis.   Conclusion: This study concludes that customary law, shared property management, and leadership are essential keys to the economic sustainability of indigenous peoples during times of crisis.