Vol. 1 No. 1 Juni (2025)

Within Indonesia's Religious Courts, women and children face multidimensional challenges across normative, cultural, and structural dimensions. While the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) contains provisions for gender justice and child protection (including hadhanah [child custody] and spousal support), implementation is often undermined by gender-biased interpretations and insufficient consideration of children's best interests. Culturally, entrenched patriarchal norms disadvantage women, particularly in marital disputes and inheritance cases. Structural barriers include limited legal aid, judges' inadequate gender sensitivity, and court systems ill-prepared to handle gender-based violence cases. Comprehensive reforms are needed, including: (1) gender-sensitivity training for judges, (2) progressive revisions to the KHI, and (3) strengthened legal aid institutions.