Babel Establishes 393 Legal Aid Posts to Assist Impoverished Citizens Facing Legal Issues

The Bangka Belitung Provincial Government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has established 393 legal aid posts (Posbankum) to provide assistance to vulnerable and impoverished citizens facing legal issues.

“We are encouraging non-litigation legal resolutions through Posbankum, supported by 2,223 paralegals who are ready to assist within their respective working areas in villages and sub-districts across all regencies and cities,” said Tarmin AB, Assistant for Government and Public Welfare of the Bangka Belitung Provincial Secretariat, in Pangkalpinang on Tuesday.

Paralegals are individuals possessing legal skills but are not professional lawyers or advocates. They play a highly strategic role as providers of basic and non-litigation legal aid.

“These paralegals work to provide basic legal assistance to the community and help resolve legal problems outside of the courtroom,” he added.

The presence of paralegals aims to ensure that small-scale legal issues at the community level can be resolved through amicable settlement without needing to pursue judicial routes.

“If issues can be resolved before entering the court system, there is no need to proceed to court. That is the role of the paralegals,” he stated.

According to Tarmin, paralegals hold a strategic position in providing legal aid to the public, particularly for those who may lack the economic means to access legal services from paid lawyers.

Through this guidance and socialisation, the Bangka Belitung Provincial Government hopes that all relevant elements can align their perceptions to ensure that the operations of Posbankum can function optimally.

“The existence of paralegals is vital for the poor or vulnerable groups who have previously struggled to access legal assistance due to economic limitations,” he said.