Access to Justice for the Poor: A Critical Review of Indonesia's Legal Aid System

Abstract

In Indonesia, access to justice remains a significant challenge, particularly for poor and marginalized communities. This paper critically examines the effectiveness of Indonesia's legal aid system, exploring how it supports or limits the right to fair justice. By analyzing existing legal frameworks, case studies, and interviews with legal aid practitioners, the study identifies key barriers to access, such as lack of awareness, inadequate funding, and regional disparities. The findings suggest that while the legal aid system provides essential support for vulnerable populations, it is often constrained by insufficient resources and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Moreover, the study highlights the broader issue of social inequality, where poor citizens are disproportionately affected by limited access to legal assistance. The paper proposes policy recommendations to strengthen the legal aid system, including expanding funding, improving outreach efforts, and enhancing the capacity of local legal aid organizations. This paper offers an in-depth analysis of the gaps in Indonesia's legal aid system, emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure equal access to justice for all citizens, particularly the poor. The study contributes to the field of access to justice by providing actionable recommendations to improve legal aid services in Indonesia, advancing the global conversation on legal aid reforms in developing countries.