DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jhp.13.2.313-350

BRIDGING LAW AND SOCIETY: REORIENTING SOCIOLOGICAL JURISPRUDENCE FOR PROGRESSIVE LEGAL REFORM IN INDONESIA

*Ikhsan Ikhsan  -  IKH Law Firm, Indonesia
Rahayu Rahayu  -  Faculty of Law, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
RB Sularto  -  Faculty of Law, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

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Abstract

This study investigates the reorientation of sociological jurisprudence as a critical framework for progressive national legal reform in Indonesia. It emphasizes the integration of living law (lebendes Recht) into the formal legal system, drawing on the theories of Eugen Ehrlich and Roscoe Pound, which highlight law as both a social institution and a tool of social engineering. The research identifies the tensions between formalistic, positivist legal frameworks and the dynamic social realities of Indonesian society, characterized by legal pluralism, customary law, and evolving societal values. Empirical findings from civil and criminal court cases demonstrate both successes and limitations in the application of living law, particularly in cases involving indigenous communities and minor offenses. While some decisions integrate customary practices into judicial reasoning, others remain rigid, underscoring the need for a systematic operational framework that balances legal certainty with social responsiveness. The study further proposes the Integrative Responsive Sociological Jurisprudence (IRSJ) model, which rests on three pillars: normative integration, social responsiveness, and substantive justice. This model promotes the formal recognition of living law, enables the legal system to dynamically respond to social needs, and ensures equitable outcomes that reflect societal values and human dignity. The research highlights the importance of institutional capacity-building, judicial training, and empirical methodologies to strengthen the application of sociological jurisprudence. Comparative analysis with countries such as the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia illustrates the benefits of integrating empirical evidence, community participation, and culturally embedded norms into legal systems, fostering adaptive, equitable, and socially legitimate outcomes. The study concludes that sociological jurisprudence is fully compatible with Indonesia's constitutional principles and Pancasila values, providing a human-centered approach that addresses systemic social inequalities, empowers marginalized communities, and ensures that law evolves in tandem with society. This orientation shifts the focus from purely formalistic rule-making to a responsive legal system capable of operationalizing substantive justice and societal harmony.

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Keywords: Sociological Jurisprudence; Living Law; National Legal Reform; Substantive Justice; Pancasila

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