In an effort to bridge the gap between the public and the legal system, Indonesian lawyers and legal organizations are intensifying efforts to promote legal literacy across the country. Initiatives such as “Hukum untuk Rakyat” (Law for the People) and Community Legal Clinics are being organized in rural and urban areas to educate citizens about their rights, obligations, and access to justice.
For instance, PERADI (Indonesian Advocates Association) recently launched a nationwide campaign targeting farmers, fishermen, and informal workers. Through workshops and interactive sessions, lawyers explain topics such as land ownership disputes, labor rights, and consumer protection. In East Nusa Tenggara, a team of young advocates partnered with local NGOs to translate complex legal terms into regional languages, ensuring marginalized communities fully understand their legal options.
Additionally, digital platforms like “LawHub Indonesia” provide free online resources, including video tutorials and downloadable guides, on common legal issues such as marriage contracts, inheritance, and reporting corruption. Social media campaigns led by lawyers have also gone viral, using relatable content to debunk myths about the judicial process.
Niken Savitri, a human rights lawyer and founder of the Legal Literacy Foundation, emphasized: “When people know their rights, they are empowered to fight injustice. Lawyers have a duty not only to represent clients but also to educate society.”
These programs highlight the legal profession’s commitment to creating an informed citizenry capable of navigating Indonesia’s evolving legal landscape. By democratizing legal knowledge, lawyers are fostering a culture of accountability and active citizenship.
