Terms such as lawsuits, deeds, or disputes can sound foreign, intimidating, and costly — leaving communities at a disadvantage even before they can defend their rights.
To address this, the Riau Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has initiated the establishment of 1,800 Legal Aid Posts (Posbakum) in villages and wards.
A total of 3,600 paralegals, appointed by village heads, will assist residents. They are not certified lawyers but villagers trained in basic legal knowledge to act as the eyes and ears of justice in their communities.
Legal educator Ariston Hotman Turnip from the ministry's Riau office stressed that these Posbakum serve as vital instruments to ensure equal access to justice.
Land disputes remain the most common legal challenge in Riau, making the initiative particularly relevant. Kampar District has become the first in the province to establish Posbakum across all 250 villages and wards.
District Head Ahmad Yuzar said residents no longer need to travel to cities for assistance, as paralegals can help resolve disputes through dialogue before cases reach the courts.
Paralegals act as first-line consultants: they listen to grievances, provide basic advice, and guide residents on the proper legal steps. Though they cannot represent clients in court, their role is crucial in bridging rigid legal frameworks with rural realities.
Rudy Hendra Pakpahan, head of the ministry's Riau office, emphasized that legal education is key. Paralegals, he said, help residents understand their rights and obligations, preventing them from falling into legal traps or exploitation.
Inside modest village offices, Posbakum also serve as centers of legal education, teaching residents the importance of ownership documents, rights, and non-litigation conflict resolution.
Challenges remain, especially regarding paralegal honorariums, as not all villages have sufficient budgets. Yet for many, the greatest reward lies in community trust and pride in serving as guardians of grassroots justice.
The Riau office hopes Kampar's success will inspire other districts. Pakpahan reiterated the need for collaboration among government agencies, local administrations, and legal organizations to ensure equal access to justice.
For low-income communities, Posbakum symbolizes the state's presence at the grassroots level — bringing justice that once seemed distant closer to everyday life.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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