LOCAL WISDOM IN MODERN LEADERSHIP IN WEST JAVA: AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AL-'ADAT MUHAKKAMAH IN DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Local wisdom has increasingly become an important foundation for regional governance in Indonesia, yet limited studies have examined Sundanese local wisdom, particularly Sabilulungan, as a normative framework for regional leadership from the perspective of Islamic law. This study investigates the implementation of Sabilulungan in the leadership of regional heads in West Java and analyses its relevance to the Islamic legal maxim al-'ādah al-muḥakkamah (custom as a recognised legal authority). A qualitative descriptive–analytical approach was employed using library and field research. Data were collected through document analysis, observations, and interviews with regional leaders and other key informants, and were analysed using content analysis and hermeneutic interpretation. The findings reveal that Sabilulungan has evolved from a cultural tradition into an institutionalised governance principle embedded in regional regulations, development planning, and public administration. Although Bandung, Purwakarta, Sumedang, and Majalengka adopt different cultural philosophies, they share common values of mutual cooperation, participation, social responsibility, ethical leadership, and sustainable development. Among these regions, Sumedang demonstrates the most comprehensive institutionalisation of local wisdom through the Sumedang Puseur Budaya Sunda policy, while Bandung successfully operationalises Sabilulungan through collaborative governance. The study further finds that these cultural values have been internalised through leadership functions, educational initiatives, and community participation, thereby strengthening social cohesion and participatory governance. From the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, the principal values of Sabilulungan fulfil the characteristics of al-'urf al-ṣaḥīḥ (valid custom) and therefore constitute a legitimate basis for applying the legal maxim al-'ādah al-muḥakkamah. This study concludes that Sundanese local wisdom functions not only as cultural heritage but also as a normative legal principle that reinforces ethical leadership, effective public administration, and sustainable regional development in West Java.