Child Adoption in Indonesia and Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Frameworks and Regulatory Gaps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61994/jsls.v4i2.2202Keywords:
best interests of the child, child adoption, comparative law, Islamic family lawAbstract
This study aims to analyze the legal regulation of child adoption in Indonesia and Pakistan, as well as the legal implications arising from the presence or absence of specific adoption laws in both countries. Child adoption in Muslim-majority countries presents a legal challenge due to the interaction between Islamic legal principles and state law. This research employs a qualitative normative legal approach through library research, using a comparative method to examine legislation, court decisions, and relevant legal doctrines. The analysis is grounded in the theory of legal pluralism and the principle of the best interests of the child. The findings reveal that Indonesia has established a codified and institutionalized framework for child adoption, providing stronger legal certainty and child protection. In contrast, Pakistan relies on guardianship mechanisms under Islamic law without specific statutory regulation, resulting in limited legal certainty and protection for children. This study emphasizes that the existence of clear and codified regulations plays a crucial role in ensuring legal certainty, institutional accountability, and the protection of children's rights.
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