NAVIGATING INTERFAITH MARRIAGE LAW: LEGAL MOBILIZATION, LEGAL CONSCIOUSNESS, AND ADVOCACY STRATEGIES IN INDONESIA

Novita Dwi Lestari; Mufidah Ch; Zaenul Mahmudi; Mahbub Ainur Rofiq; Prayudi Rahmatullah; Nisa Dian Islamiyati

doi:10.33650/jhi.v10i3.16418

NAVIGATING INTERFAITH MARRIAGE LAW: LEGAL MOBILIZATION, LEGAL CONSCIOUSNESS, AND ADVOCACY STRATEGIES IN INDONESIA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33650/jhi.v10i3.16418

Authors

(1) * Novita Dwi Lestari

(Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Indonesia
(2) Mufidah Ch

(Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
        Indonesia
(3)  Zaenul Mahmudi   (Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
        Indonesia
(4)  Mahbub Ainur Rofiq   (Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
        Indonesia
(5)  Prayudi Rahmatullah   (Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
        Indonesia
(6)  Nisa Dian Islamiyati   (Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

Interfaith marriage in Indonesia is a complex socio-legal issue intersecting state law, religious norms, and civil administration. This study analyzes the legal mobilization strategies of the Harmoni Mitra Madania Foundation in advocating for interfaith couples and examines these practices through an Islamic law perspective. Using a qualitative socio-legal approach, data from interviews and literature were analyzed using Michael McCann’s legal mobilization theory. The findings reveal three main patterns. First, the foundation utilizes non-litigation legal mobilization through consultation, administrative assistance, and family networks. Second, couples actively use the law as a strategic resource, developing legal consciousness and rights discourse. Third, the narrowing of legal opportunity structures has shifted mobilization from litigation to network-based relational strategies. From a maqasid al-shari’ah perspective, this advocacy does not normatively legitimize interfaith marriage but addresses the tension between religious norms, family protection, public interest, and legal certainty. The study proposes the concept of intermediary actors in non-litigation legal mobilization.

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