The Legality of "Pecalang Perempuan" as a Symbol of Gender Equality in the Traditional Balinese Security System

Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Singaraja, Indonesia

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Abstract

In Regional Regulation Number 4 of 2019 concerning Customary Villages, it is stipulated that pecalang is a traditional security officer in Bali formed by Customary Villages, with the task of maintaining security, order, and order of the community in the Customary Village area. This study aims to examine the legality and evolving role of pecalang, traditional security officers in Bali, with particular attention to the inclusion of women in this institution. Using a normative legal research method with a legislative approach, the research analyzes Regional Regulation Number 4 of 2019 on Customary Villages and Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia, both of which regulate pecalang as community-based security. The findings reveal that while the structure and leadership of pecalang remain predominantly male, reflecting Balinese patriarchal traditions, the emergence of female pecalang marks a significant shift toward gender equality without contravening either positive law or customary law, provided their appointment is achieved through customary deliberation and aligns with awig-awig provisions. The study concludes that strengthening the legitimacy and sustainability of female pecalang requires formal recognition through revisions of awig-awig or village perarem, capacity-building through training and debriefing, local government endorsement, and community-wide socialization. These measures have important implications for fostering inclusive participation in customary security structures and promoting gender-sensitive development in Balinese society.