Sectoral Policies Towards Collaborative Policies: Analysis of Local Traditions as Reinforcement Policies in Reducing the Prevalence of Violence Against Women in North Maluku

The prevalence of violence against women in North Maluku shows an alarming trend, with 292 cases reported in 2021 and continuing to increase every year. These forms of violence include sexual violence (33%), psychological violence (36%), physical violence (18%), and economic violence (13%), which occur both in public spaces and within families. A comprehensive analysis shows that this problem is influenced by the complexity of the socio-cultural structure, the weak implementation of formal policies, family factors and parenting patterns dominated by patriarchal relations, as well as the lack of early sexuality education in the family environment. Based on these conditions, this study assumes that the local traditions of Oke Sou and Sidi, which are practices of female sexuality education based on cultural and religious values, have a learning model that can be adapted and integrated into policy. This study uses a qualitative approach with a framework of policy integration and collaborative governance perspectives. Data was collected through literature studies, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, Oke Sou/Sidi practitioners, and other stakeholders. The study aims to identify the Oke Sou and Sidi traditions in providing understanding and protection for women, as well as opportunities for integrating traditional values into public policy and collaborative models that enable synergy between formal institutions and traditional customs. The results of the study show that the Oke Sou and Sidi traditions can be a new strategy in increasing the legitimacy of public policy at the community level and strengthening the internalisation of protective cultural values for women. Thus, this study contributes to the development of public policies that are more holistic, responsive to the local context, and sustainable in efforts to prevent violence against women in North Maluku.