SUNAT PEREMPUAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF HUKUM NASIONAL, HAK ASASI MANUSIA DAN BUDAYA: SEBUAH DILEMA ANTARA TRADISI DAN PERLINDUNGAN HAK

Abstract

The practice of female circumcision, or Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), is a complex and controversial issue in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. This article discusses female circumcision from the perspective of national law, human rights (HAM), and culture, with a focus on the dilemma between preserving tradition and protecting rights. Although often considered part of religious or customary rituals, this practice has a negative impact on women's physical and mental health. WHO classifies FGM/C into four types based on the level of invasiveness, and all are considered to have no health benefits. In the context of national law, even though regulations have prohibited this practice, challenges still arise due to cultural resistance and lack of law enforcement. The human rights perspective highlights violations of the rights of women and children, including the rights to health, bodily autonomy and freedom from violence. Meanwhile, a cultural perspective shows how this practice is deeply rooted in tradition as a symbol of community identity. Efforts to eliminate FGM/C require an approach based on education, community empowerment and cross-cultural dialogue to create a transformation that respects traditions without ignoring individual rights.