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Legal aid services play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for the community, particularly for vulnerable groups and underprivileged communities in villages and sub-districts. However, limited legal knowledge and the lack of legal assistance in rural areas often lead to various legal issues being unresolved effectively. This community service activity was carried out with the aim of improving the capacity of village/sub-district officials and the community through paralegal training at Legal Aid Posts (Posbakum) in North Sumatra. The activity method was carried out using a participatory approach through legal counseling, paralegal skills training, simple case handling simulations, and interactive discussions. The results showed that the training was able to improve participants' understanding of basic legal knowledge, mediation techniques, out-of-court dispute resolution, and procedures for providing legal aid to underprivileged communities. In addition, this activity also helped increase public legal awareness and strengthen the existence of village/sub-district Posbakum as a community-based legal service medium. Therefore, paralegal training is one of the strategic efforts to expand access to justice in North Sumatra.

Access to justice is a constitutional right that is often difficult for vulnerable groups to access, thus triggering legal disparities and systemic injustice. This study aims to analyze the urgency of legal assistance by advocates and Legal Aid Institutions (LBH) as a protection instrument for individuals facing legal arbitrariness. Using normative legal research methods supported by a statute approach, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Legal Aid Law in Indonesia. The results show that legal assistance functions not only as technical representation in court, but also as a balancing power relationship between the state or powerful entities and citizens. Legal assistance plays a vital role in mitigating violations of legal procedures (due process of law) often experienced by victims of injustice. However, structural obstacles such as limited state budgets and low public legal literacy remain major obstacles. This study concludes that strengthening the free legal aid scheme (pro bono publico) integrated with strict judicial oversight is essential to ensure that justice belongs not only to those with financial resources, but also to all citizens without exception.

This research analyzes the application of the equality before the law principle in handling narcotics cases by the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Legundi Surabaya. The principle of equality before the law is a fundamental principle guaranteed in Article 27 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, yet its implementation in narcotics law enforcement still faces various challenges. This study employs a normative juridical method with a qualitative approach to examine LBH Legundi's strategies in ensuring clients fully obtain their constitutional rights. The findings reveal that although LBH Legundi has implemented various strategies such as detailed examination of arrest procedures, optimization of legal instruments, and efforts for detention suspension, the application of the equality before the law principle remains hindered by several factors. The main challenges include strong social stigma against narcotics offenders, limited resources of legal aid institutions, disparities in judicial decisions, structural barriers in accessing justice, weak supervision systems, minimal systemic support from the state, and a law enforcement mindset that remains punitive rather than rehabilitative. This condition creates a significant gap between suspects from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those from affluent backgrounds, which contradicts the spirit of substantive justice. The study concludes that realizing the principle of equality before the law requires comprehensive reform touching structural, cultural, and systemic aspects of Indonesia's criminal justice system.  

This study aims to analyze legal protection for victims of violence against women and children from a victimology perspective in Indonesia. The research employs a normative legal method with statutory and conceptual approaches. The results indicate that Indonesia has established adequate legal regulations to protect victims; however, their implementation remains suboptimal and not fully victim-oriented. Victimology emphasizes the importance of fulfilling victims’ rights not only through legal protection but also through psychological and social recovery. The main challenges include limited access to legal aid, lack of understanding among law enforcement officials, and socio-cultural factors that influence victims’ willingness to report cases. Therefore, strengthening the victimology approach within the criminal justice system is necessary to ensure more just and comprehensive protection for victims. Furthermore, community involvement is crucial in supporting victims and reducing negative stigma against them. Providing information and education to the public and law enforcement regarding the rights of victims of violence is a crucial step in achieving effective protection.

Prodeo legal aid is one of the ways in which the state fulfils its responsibility to guarantee access to justice for economically disadvantaged members of the public. However, its implementation still faces challenges, particularly budgetary constraints, meaning that not all applications for prodeo legal aid can be processed. This issue arises in Industrial Relations Court (PHI) cases at the Banjarmasin District Court. This study aims to examine the implementation of prodeo services in PHI cases and to analyse these budgetary constraints from a constitutional law perspective. The methodology employed is a normative legal approach with an empirical focus, utilising a review of legislation, interviews, observations, and a literature review. The research findings indicate that prodeo is a service for litigation at no cost, funded by the state through the State Budget Allocation (DIPA). In 2025, a budget of Rp. 33,728,000 was only sufficient to handle 13 cases, meaning the service depends on the availability of funds. This situation reflects a gap between the constitutional guarantee of access to justice and practice on the ground. Therefore, improvements are needed in budget planning, allocation, and management, as well as the strengthening of the role of Legal Aid Posts and Legal Aid Institutions to enhance access to justice for the underprivileged.

The provision of legal aid represents the state’s responsibility to ensure access to justice and legal protection, particularly for impoverished and vulnerable groups. Within the framework of regional governance, this responsibility is carried out by local governments through regional apparatuses with authority in legal affairs, including the Legal Bureau of Central Java Province. This article examines the position and authority of the Central Java Provincial Legal Bureau in the administration of legal aid and analyzes the urgency of its dual role as both facilitator and regulator. This study aims to analyze the legal basis of such authority and the implications of the dual role in the implementation of regional legal aid. The research employs a normative juridical method using statutory and conceptual approaches. The findings indicate that the Legal Bureau of Central Java Province possesses administrative authority derived from the delegation of authority by the governor, enabling it to perform both facilitative and regulatory functions in legal aid administration. However, the absence of explicit regulatory boundaries between these roles potentially leads to overlapping authority. Nevertheless, as long as these roles are exercised in accordance with their legal basis and the principles of good governance, the dual role may function as an effective administrative instrument to ensure the effective delivery of legal aid and the protection of citizens’ rights.   Keywords : legal aid, authority, dual role.

Drug misuse continues to be a complicated social and legal issue that has an impact on societal stability, public health, and personal wellbeing. Many criminal justice systems have moved away from punitive tactics in favor of rehabilitation-focused ones in recent years, especially for drug users who are frequently viewed as sufferers of addiction rather than serious criminals. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Indonesia is implementing rehabilitation programs and restorative justice processes as a result of this change. This study investigates the efficacy of restorative justice in drug rehabilitation at Jambi Province's National Narcotics Agency and evaluates its applicability from the standpoint of Islamic law, specifically the framework of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah. The study uses a case study design and a qualitative methodology. Participant observation, document analysis, and in-depth interviews with BNN officials, rehabilitation counselors, medical staff, and ex-drug users were used to gather data. The results show that an integrated evaluation system that assesses drug users' physical, psychological, and social states in order to determine their eligibility for recovery is used to institutionally apply restorative justice principles. Combining medical care, psychological counseling, and social reintegration programs, the rehabilitation programs greatly aid in participants' recuperation, enhance psychological stability, and fortify familial ties. Additionally, by promoting individual responsibility, family support, and community involvement, restorative justice-based rehabilitation lowers the risk of recidivism. From the standpoint of Islamic legal philosophy, these actions are consistent with the goals of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, specifically the defense of human dignity, life (ḥifḍ al-nafs), and intellect (ḥifḍ al-ʿaql). According to the study's findings, restorative justice-based rehabilitation is a compassionate and successful method of treating drug dependency while encouraging social reintegration and long-term recovery.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of integrity and ethics among Civil Servants (ASN) in public service delivery at the 5 Ilir Subdistrict Office in Palembang City. The 5 Ilir area, which is located in an urban setting with high population density and dynamic socio-economic activities, requires subdistrict officials to provide fast, responsive, and citizen-oriented services. The study adopts a qualitative approach using purposive sampling, designating the Head of the Subdistrict as the key informant. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observation of administrative service processes, and document analysis. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive qualitative method to identify practices, values, and mechanisms related to the enforcement of integrity and ethics in public services. The results indicate that the implementation of integrity and ethics at the 5 Ilir Subdistrict Office is reflected in transparent standard operating procedures, an open queuing system, routine briefings, internal and external supervision mechanisms, and responsive leadership in addressing community issues, including the resolution of social conflicts and flood mitigation. The existence of a legal aid post further strengthens public access to justice. The enforcement of integrity is not merely normative but is systematically implemented through regulations, organizational culture, and oversight mechanisms. This study recommends strengthening the digitalization of public services as a strategy to enhance transparency, accountability, and service quality at the subdistrict level.

Child violence cases in Jayapura City demonstrate a distinctive pattern of legal settlement characterised by the strong coexistence of customary law and the formal juvenile criminal justice system. While national legislation mandates diversion and restorative justice as primary mechanisms in handling children in conflict with the law, empirical findings reveal that most cases are resolved through indigenous customary forums known as para-para adat. This study aims to analyse the forms of settlement applied to child violence cases and to identify the constraints encountered in implementing both customary mechanisms and the formal juvenile justice system. The research employs a normative-empirical approach by combining statutory analysis with field data obtained from law enforcement institutions, legal aid organisations, and community respondents. The findings indicate that approximately ninety percent of cases between 2019 and 2024 were settled through customary mechanisms involving collective responsibility and the payment of customary fines as symbolic and material restoration. Diversion mechanisms under the formal system were rarely implemented. Although customary settlement is perceived as flexible, culturally legitimate, and socially restorative, several obstacles persist, including disagreement over compensation, inability to fulfil customary obligations, and limited awareness of restorative justice procedures. The study highlights the need to harmonise legal pluralism within child protection policies to ensure that customary practices align with the best interests of the child and national legal standards.

Breakups often trigger psychological conflict ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, to risky behavior that have an impact on individual well-being and the social environment. This study explores the role of law in preventing, responding to, and recovering such psychological impacts through an interdisciplinary approach. The methodology used is a normative-juridical study combined with a literature review of clinical psychology and mental health policy. The findings show that the legal framework can function on three levels: (1) preventive, through the guarantee of the right to mental health, digital literacy, and platform governance to prevent post-breakup online harassment; (2) protective, through victim protection mechanisms against psychological violence, stalking, doxing, and the dissemination of non-consensual intimate content; and (3) curative, with a referral scheme for counseling services, the provision of legal aid, data confidentiality guarantees, and restorative justice instruments centered on victim recovery. However, there are implementation gaps, including the lack of standardization of psychological assessments in the legal process, limited access to services at the grassroots level, and coordination between institutions that are not optimal. This article recommends the integration of mental health protocols in the law enforcement process, evidentiary guidelines for psychological violence, as well as cross-sectoral collaboration with psychological service providers and digital platforms. The main contribution of this study is the mapping of a comprehensive legal intervention framework for post-breakup psychological conflicts.

Advocates are law enforcers whose professionalism depends on a structured organization. Following Constitutional Court Decision No. 112/PUU-XI/2013, advocate organizations in Indonesia have experienced fragmentation (multi-bar). This situation has created disorganization, differing recruitment standards, education, and enforcement of codes of ethics, weakening national oversight of the profession. This study aims to analyze the legal standing and organizational form of the National Advocates Council (DAN) to address this disorganization, specifically in light of Law No. 18 of 2003 concerning Advocates. The method used is normative juridical with a statutory and conceptual approach. The study concludes that to maintain freedom of association and achieve professional unity, DAN should be established as a federation, not a single body (single bar). DAN's primary function is to establish uniform national professional standards, enforce codes of ethics, oversee legal aid, and strengthen the integrity of advocates as law enforcers. The establishment of DAN requires a revision of the Advocates Law to ensure strong legal standing.

This research discusses the effectiveness of the implementation of diversion for children in conflict with the law in the crime of aggravated theft, with a case study at the Surabaya Children Crisis Center (SCCC). The background of the research is based on the importance of protecting children's rights in the criminal justice sistem, in accordance with Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Child Criminal Justice Sistem (UU SPPA), which prioritizes restorative justice and the principle of diversion to avoid the negative impact of formal punishment on children. This research uses empirical juridical method with descriptive analysis approach, examining primary data from interviews with legal counsel at SCCC as well as secondary data from related legal literature. The results show that diversion at SCCC has been implemented according to procedures at various stages of the legal process, from investigation, investigation, to trial. However, the implementation still faces obstacles such as the lack of understanding of law enforcement officials, limited human resources at legal aid institutions, and challenges in mediation between offenders and victims. In conclusion, although the implementation of diversion in SCCC is quite effective in protecting children's rights and preventing social stigma, the implementation of diversion in SCCC is not yet effective.

Non-litigation legal assistance in land dispute resolution is carried out by the Ansor Legal Aid Institute (LBH Ansor). This assistance is crucial considering the complexity of land law and the high demand of the community, especially vulnerable groups, for access to fast, efficient, and low-cost conflict resolution. This research is driven by the low public understanding of non-litigation mechanisms and the challenges in realizing proportional access to justice. The main objective is to comprehensively document the assistance procedures and identify the applied advocacy model. This research method uses a normative legal approach with a statute approach and a conceptual approach. The results of this study describe that LBH Ansor plays a strategic role as a mediator and legal facilitator, which includes initial case assessment, preparation of a mediation framework, and assistance in negotiations between the disputing parties. The main findings show that LBH Ansor's non-litigation assistance practices have successfully increased the effectiveness of land dispute resolution by prioritizing the principles of restorative justice and peace agreements, while also providing a replicable model for increasing access to justice outside the courts.

Legal assistance for applications is a crucial form of legal aid provided to the public in submitting various types of applications to the courts or related agencies. This research is motivated by the urgent need to understand the effectiveness and implementation of such legal aid services, particularly for underprivileged communities who face barriers in accessing the justice system. This article aims to discuss and describe in detail the application processing process carried out by the Legal Aid Post (Posbakum) when operating and collaborating with the Legundi Legal Aid Institute (LBH Legundi), specifically in the context of name change applications. This research uses normative legal methods with a conceptual and statutory approach to analyze the applicable procedures. The results show that Posbakum plays a central role in drafting name applications for communities in need through a phased assistance process that includes initial consultation, verification of document requirements, technical assistance in scanning and nazegel, drafting application letters, and guidance on case registration. This assistance model has proven effective in overcoming procedural obstacles and increasing access to justice for underprivileged communities, while simultaneously transforming the community from a passive to an active role in fighting for their civil rights.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of legal protection for victims of human trafficking in Indonesia, based on Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking. Legal protection for victims encompasses preventive measures, case handling, and the restoration of victims’ rights through available legal mechanisms. The focus of this research is to evaluate how far the existing regulations can provide comprehensive protection for victims—beginning from the victim identification process, through judicial proceedings, and continuing to social rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This study applies a normative juridical method that emphasizes legal norms and regulations in force. It also highlights the importance of synergy among law enforcement agencies, the government, and non-governmental organizations to ensure optimal protection for trafficking victims. The research identifies several challenges in the implementation of legal protection, such as limited human resources and inadequate facilities, lack of public legal awareness, and judicial processes that are often slow and unresponsive to victims’ needs. Another major obstacle is the lack of access to legal aid and recovery services, which are crucial for supporting victims’ reintegration and fulfillment of their human rights. This paper seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the current conditions regarding legal protection for human trafficking victims in Indonesia and to formulate recommendations for more effective and integrated policy improvements. Enhancing legal frameworks and improving inter-agency coordination are essential steps toward ensuring victims receive justice and the protection they are entitled to under human rights principles.

Drug abuse is a complex and evolving legal problem in Indonesia. Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics strictly regulates provisions for drug users, both in terms of criminal penalties and rehabilitation. In practice, drug users are often treated as criminals and sentenced to imprisonment, although normatively the law also provides opportunities for rehabilitation as a form of protection and recovery. This study aims to examine the legal provisions for drug users from a legal perspective, analyze the role of Legal Aid Institutions (LBH) in handling drug abuse cases, and identify obstacles faced in implementing such legal assistance. The methods used are normative legal and sociological legal approaches, with data collection techniques through literature and documentation. The results of the study indicate that drug users should have access to rehabilitation, not just punishment. LBH plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance and advocating for the implementation of restorative justice. However, several obstacles remain, such as limited resources, a lack of understanding among law enforcement officials, and public stigma. Joint efforts are needed between the government, LBH, and the community to realize fair legal protection for drug users.  

Sexual harassment cases in university environments have become a serious issue that not only harms victims physically and psychologically but also undermines academic and humanitarian values. This article aims to analyze the implementation of legal aid services in addressing criminal acts of sexual harassment within higher education institutions, particularly in terms of victim protection, legal assistance, and the restoration of victims’ rights. This study employs an empirical or socio-legal approach by examining existing legal regulations and the practical implementation of legal services by campus-based legal aid institutions. The findings reveal that although several universities have established task forces or sexual violence service units, their implementation still faces challenges such as limited resources, low legal awareness, and a prevailing culture of silence among students. Therefore, institutional strengthening, continuous awareness campaigns, and victim-centered campus policies are necessary to ensure comprehensive access to justice. Legal aid services must not only be reactive but also preventive and educational, as part of a broader effort to create a safe and violence-free academic environment.  

Sexual violence against children and women in Indonesia remains a critical issue with lasting physical, psychological, and social consequences for victims. This study aims to analyze existing legal protection efforts for child and female victims of sexual violence, identify regulatory and implementation weaknesses, and formulate policy recommendations. Employing a normative legal research design with a doctrinal‑descriptive approach, it reviews legislation, scholarly literature, and court decisions. The findings reveal that despite legal frameworks such as Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection and relevant Criminal Code provisions, significant gaps persist in offense categorization, victims’ access to legal aid services, and inter‑agency coordination. The implications highlight the need for regulatory refinement, strengthened reporting mechanisms, and enhanced capacity of law enforcement and legal aid institutions to ensure comprehensive victim protection.  

Tackling pedophilia crimes often faces serious obstacles, especially when the perpetrator has a high social status or strong influence in society. This condition often hampers the law enforcement process, because it is difficult to hold the perpetrator criminally accountable fairly. This research is an empirical legal research by conducting interviews and observing examination files and related documents.The results of this study indicate that: (1) efforts to combat pedophilia crimes that occurred in Oesena Village have not been optimal due to weak coordination between parties. The police are overwhelmed in handling similar cases, while legal aid institutions can only provide assistance without full legal authority, even though they try through social media. As a result, the victims have not received legal justice. (2) the accountability of perpetrators of pedophilia crimes seen from the aspect of justice has not been fulfilled, both legally and socially. Legally, the perpetrators have not received appropriate punishment. This shows that the perpetrators have not been truly held accountable for their actions fairly.

This research examines the implementation of social welfare through social assistance funds in Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic within the framework of the welfare state theory. Using a normative juridical approach with a descriptive-normative character, the study analyzes the legal foundations, the theory of justice, and utilitarianism as conceptual bases. Two approaches Statute Approach and Conceptual Approach are employed to review key regulations (Law No. 13/2011, Law No. 11/2009, Government Regulation No. 39/2012, and other implementing regulations) as well as the concepts of distributive justice, utility, and the capability principle. Secondary data consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials collected through literature study and qualitatively analyzed. The findings reveal that programs such as Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), the Family Hope Program (PKH), and the Staple Food Card (Kartu Sembako) represent state interventions aimed at correcting inequality and ensuring citizens’ social rights. The application of the principles of social justice, utility, transparancy, accountability, participation, and sustainability has strengthened the legitimacy of social assistance as a redistributive instrument. However, the main challenges lie in the accuracy of the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS), overlapping recipients, limited public participation, and long-term planning that remains reactive to crises. Evaluation of alignment with welfare state principles reveals that social assistance interventions have helped reduce short-term economic burdens but are not yet optimal in empowering recipients toward self-reliance. Based on these findings, it is recommended to regularly update the DTKS, enhance digitalization and data transparancy, expand participatory mechanisms, and integrate social assistance policies into long-term national development strategies. Thus, social assistance funds can serve not only as emergency aid but also as sustainable instruments to realize social justice and inclusive growth.