Digital Transformation Expands Access to Legal Information
JAKARTA – Low legal literacy remains a significant barrier to expanding public access to justice in Indonesia. The challenge lies not only in the complexity of regulations but also in the fact that many citizens are unaware of their legal rights and obligations. Research by the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) in collaboration with the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law indicates that approximately 53 per cent of justice seekers do not know they are entitled to free legal aid, a condition that affects their ability to access legal services.
In response to these challenges, Hukumonline has developed various artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions to facilitate access to legal information. One such tool is AIlex, a conversational AI legal research assistant currently used by more than 3,500 users each month. The company has also launched the ‘AIlex for Good’ programme, which provides free one-year access to AIlex for legal aid institutions, educational institutions, research organisations, civil society advocacy groups, and bar associations. To date, the programme has reached 43 organisations.
Hukumonline Chief Executive Officer Arkka Dhiratara stated that the application of AI in the legal field is directed at broadening access to legal knowledge, particularly for organisations that provide services to the public. “For 26 years, Hukumonline has believed that access to quality legal resources is the foundation of justice. Therefore, we want to ensure that technological advances, especially AI, can be utilised by academics, advocates, and civil society organisations that deliver inclusive legal services,” Arkka said. He added that AIlex for Good not only provides technology access but also supports organisations engaged in legal aid, research, education, and advocacy to work more efficiently.
Furthermore, Hukumonline continues to develop AIlex as an AI-based legal assistant that helps users navigate regulations and court decisions. One feature under development is ‘Tanya Putusan’, which allows users to search, read, and analyse court rulings through automatic summaries, identification of parties, and legal considerations. “Through Tanya Putusan, we want to help legal practitioners conduct research more efficiently. AIlex presents summaries of key information so users can understand the substance of a ruling more quickly, without reducing the depth of legal analysis,” Arkka explained.
Hukumonline is also developing an Internal Policy Review feature to help companies review internal policies to ensure compliance with evolving regulations. This feature can provide document summaries, substance analysis, recommendations for improvement, and AI-based discussion facilities on the reviewed documents. Arkka stressed that AI is developed as a tool, not a replacement for the legal profession. He noted that analysis, judgement, and decision-making remain the authority of legal practitioners. “AI does not replace advocates, judges, academics, or legal counsel. AI is designed to help them work more productively so they can focus more on analysis, strategy, and decision-making that requires human judgement,” he said.
One beneficiary of the AIlex for Good programme, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), assessed that the technology helps accelerate legal research processes that previously required lengthy periods. This efficiency allows the organisation to focus more on advocacy and community assistance activities. WALHI National Executive Director Boy Jerry Even Sembiring said the collaboration strengthens access to legal information in the effort to fight for environmental rights. “We appreciate Hukumonline’s initiative in choosing WALHI as a collaboration partner to strengthen environmental advocacy, expand access to legal information, and support the community’s struggle to defend their right to a good and healthy environment,” Boy stated.