Minister Stresses Social Recovery as Primary Goal in Legal Settlements

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas has underscored that rehabilitating the community’s social conditions must be the primary goal in resolving legal matters. He stated that a restorative justice approach is the right step to prioritise through the existence of Legal Aid Posts (Posbankum). “It can be done through Posbankum, Community Policing Officers (Babinkamtibmas), Village Guardians (Jaga Desa), and the Army’s Village Guidance Non-Commissioned Officers (Babinsa). The most important thing is not just punishing the perpetrator, but restoring the social situation so that brotherhood can be rewoven,” Supratman said after inaugurating 6,110 Posbankum in every village/sub-district in North Sumatra at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Wednesday. The minister stated that all regencies and cities in North Sumatra have received an award from the Ministry of Law for their commitment to establishing Posbankum in their respective areas. He hopes the existence of these posts will truly provide tangible benefits for the community by mending brotherhood and restoring the social situation. “I can monitor Posbankum activities in detail, and this will be one of the indicators. We really hope this is properly implemented, as it is one of President Prabowo’s Asta Cita goals,” Supratman said. North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution expressed hope that the presence of Posbankum would make it easier for the province’s residents, especially vulnerable and underprivileged groups, to access legal aid quickly and affordably. “We are confident that with Posbankum now 100 per cent available in North Sumatra, village and city communities no longer need to travel long distances to obtain legal aid. They no longer need to go through complex channels to get justice,” Bobby stated. The governor noted that to date, Posbankum in North Sumatra has helped resolve 408 cases. According to him, this figure has the potential to continue growing alongside increased utilisation of the services by the public. He hopes various legal issues can be resolved through mediation mechanisms and assistance at the Posbankum without having to end up in court proceedings. “Technology and the economy in our region are so dynamic and fast-moving. Friction between communities or corporations is almost unavoidable. In my deepest heart, I do not want things to go through a long, exhausting, and protracted legal process,” Bobby said. The governor also hopes Posbankum can synergise with the People’s Protection through Restorative Justice (Prestice) programme initiated by the North Sumatra Provincial Government. “The homework left is just one thing: regents and mayors need to stipulate the sanctions. For example, cleaning places of worship, roads, or other public facilities for issues that can be resolved at the Posbankum,” Bobby concluded.