T

he Supreme Court has encouraged out-of-court settlements to resolve disputes at village level.

Chief Justice Harifin Tumpa said people in villages tended to choose dispute settlement through mediation rather than disputes in court.

Harifin was commenting on research conducted by women's non-governmental organization Limpapeh from 2003 to 2004 in West Sumatra, which found villagers were satisfied with out-of-court settlements which they said were more effective and less complicated than pursuing a dispute in court.

"Considering that mediators play a significant role, we will hold courses and trainings for those who are interested in mediating," Tumpa told a press conference recently.

International institutions will assist the Supreme Court organize the training.

Limpapeh director Fitriyanti said mediation had traditionally offered more practical solutions to disputes over land, inheritance, marital status issues and traditional titles.

The research found that around 90 percent of village quarrels were related to kinship issues.

"When two parties are fighting for something each of them usually hires a mediator, who will work things out through hours of meetings and discussions," she said.

A solution reached between mediators will be brought to a high council comprising village elders for approval.

Matt Zurstrassen of the World Bank said the bank was interested in this method and intended to develop this cultural heritage through further research and education.

"We have assisted those who conducted researche in several places like West Nusa Tenggara and West Sumatra and found that out-of-court settlements encouraged people to seek peaceful yet effective solutions. The bank will assist programs dedicated to nurture this solution through local culture," he said.