Adat

/əˈdɑːt/ noun

Definition

In Indonesian and Malay cultures, the traditional law, customs, or practices of a community that govern social relations and property.

Etymology

From Malay/Indonesian 'adat', from Arabic 'ada' (habit, custom), referring to indigenous customary law systems of Southeast Asia.

Kelly Says

Adat represents living law that evolves with communities—unlike written codes frozen in time, adat adapts because it's remembered and practiced daily by the people it governs.

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