Decoding Interpersonal Communication in Land Dispute Mediation: A Meaning Management Perspective from Indonesia's Agrarian Sector

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of interpersonal communication within land dispute mediation practices at the Land Office in Pariaman City, Indonesia. Rooted in the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) theory, the research explores how communicative interactions verbal and non-verbal affect the resolution process of agrarian disputes, particularly in contexts shaped by overlapping legal systems and customary norms. Using a qualitative case study design, data were gathered through non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed via NVivo 12. The results underscore the pivotal role of empathetic communication, trust-building, and meaning coordination in achieving agreement. However, communication breakdowns rooted in cultural misalignments and power asymmetries often lead to mediation failure. This study contributes to theoretical development by expanding the application of CMM in legal-institutional settings and offers practical implications for capacity-building among mediators.