Bengkulu Ministry of Law Office Establishes People's Paralegal Network

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The Bengkulu Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, together with the Akar Foundation and the Legal Consultation and Aid Institution of the University of Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, has officially established a people’s paralegal network to strengthen access to justice in the area. “The formation of this people’s paralegal network also serves as a strategic step in bringing legal services closer to the community and strengthening synergy between the government, legal aid institutions, and other stakeholders,” said the Head of the Legislation and Legal Development Division of the Bengkulu Ministry of Law Regional Office, Tongam R. Silaban, in Bengkulu on Tuesday. He stated that the existence of people’s paralegals represents tangible support for equitable access to justice within society, particularly in assisting with the resolution of non-litigious legal issues. In addition to forming the paralegal network, the Bengkulu Ministry of Law also presented graduation certificates to participants of Paralegal Education and Training Batch 1. A total of 46 participants were declared to have passed and received the non-academic title of Certified Paralegal of Legal Aid (CPLA) after completing the education and training series from 8 to 11 September 2025, as well as a three-month actualisation period. Tongam R. Silaban expressed appreciation to all participants who have successfully earned the CPLA title. Furthermore, the activity is expected to encourage strengthened coordination and development of Legal Aid Posts (Posbankum) on a regular basis, including enhancing the capacity of apparatus and village paralegals. Such efforts are crucial to support the optimisation of digital-based legal services in Bengkulu, making it easier for the community to obtain legal assistance and consultation. The people’s paralegal network formation event was also attended by the Director of the Akar Global Initiative Foundation, the Director of the Akar Law Office Foundation, officials from LKBH UMB Al Arkom, and functional legal extension officers from the Bengkulu Ministry of Law Regional Office, namely Abdul Hamid, Yudhi Irawan, and Dian Lusi Zulianti. Through collaboration between the Bengkulu Ministry of Law Regional Office, LKBH UMB, and the Akar Foundation, the people’s paralegal network is hoped to serve as a legal bridge for the community and expand access to justice in an equitable and sustainable manner.