Otto: Paralegals can resolve regional legal issues more quickly
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Otto Hasibuan believes that the presence of paralegals can help resolve many legal issues in the regions more quickly, so that not everything needs to end up in court.
During an audience with the executive board of the Indonesian Law Students Association (Permahi) in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/7), he stated that many legal problems in the regions can be resolved through assistance and non-litigation settlement involving paralegals.
“The existence of paralegals is important in expanding public access to justice,” Otto stated.
Otto also provided an understanding of the strategic position of advocates as law enforcers as regulated in the Indonesian legal system. According to him, the advocate profession bears a significant responsibility in upholding justice, providing legal assistance, and ensuring the protection of people’s rights.
He welcomed Permahi’s visit and noted that there is considerable room for collaboration between the government and law student organisations.
Meanwhile, Secretary General Muhammad Afghan Ababil expressed appreciation for the reception given by the Deputy Minister. He explained that the visit was a courtesy call for the Permahi management for the 2026-2028 period, as well as to seek direction and guidance from Otto.
Afghan explained that Permahi, which was established in 1982, now has 68 branches across Indonesia with more than 150 participating universities. He affirmed the organisation’s commitment to contributing to the development of a professional and high-integrity young generation of legal practitioners.
“Our presence is also to seek prayers, guidance, and to open opportunities for cooperation with the hope of improving the quality of law students in Indonesia,” Afghan said.
He conveyed that one of the organisation’s current focuses is preparing professional legal profession cadres, though challenges remain in channelling cadres into verified professional advocate organisations. The meeting also discussed the institutional framework of advocate professional organisations and the role of advocates as law enforcers in Indonesia.
The meeting, held in the Deputy Minister’s meeting room, also addressed strengthening legal profession cadres, the role of advocates as law enforcers, and opportunities for cooperation. The audience is expected to be a first step in strengthening synergy between the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections and Permahi to improve the quality of legal education, strengthen the advocate profession, and expand access to justice for the public.