DPR Commission XIII: 6,110 Legal Aid Posts in North Sumatra a Manifestation of State Presence

Commission XIII member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Maruli Siahaan said that the 6,110 Legal Aid Posts which have been inaugurated in North Sumatra represent a manifestation of the state’s presence in providing access to legal services for the public. The step is very important because, so far, many ordinary citizens have been afraid of dealing with the law, not because they are in the wrong, but because they do not know where to ask, cannot afford the costs, and do not understand the legal process. According to him, the existence of the Legal Aid Posts and paralegals who have been trained can help the public obtain legal information, carry out initial mediation, and connect citizens with accredited legal aid organisations. To support this, he said, the government needs to ensure routine training for paralegals, village heads, sub-district heads, and regional apparatus so that they can provide proper initial guidance to the public. They do not have to be legal experts, but they must understand how to give correct initial direction. As a member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the North Sumatra I Electoral District, he is also encouraging the Legal Aid Posts in the regions to be truly active, easily accessible, friendly to the poor, and capable of helping to resolve legal issues from an early stage. If this runs well, many minor conflicts in society can be prevented before they escalate into larger cases. In essence, the Legal Aid Posts must be a place where the public can ask questions, seek protection, and obtain correct legal direction.