Strengthening Legal Rights in Disadvantaged Communities: Addressing Housing Injustice and Homelessness

Abstract

Introduction: Housing injustice and homelessness are significant issues in Indonesia, especially for low-income, marginalized, and urban migrant populations. The lack of affordable housing, coupled with land disputes, eviction threats, and inadequate legal protections, exacerbates social inequalities and economic hardships.
Purpose: This paper examines legal interventions designed to address housing injustice and homelessness, focusing on community-based approaches to strengthening legal rights in disadvantaged communities.
Method: The research combines case studies of successful legal interventions in housing disputes with interviews from community leaders, legal professionals, and homeless individuals in urban areas.
Findings and Results: The study finds that legal services are crucial in helping low-income communities secure affordable housing, challenge evictions, and protect their property rights. However, the lack of affordable housing policies and limited legal aid accessibility remain significant barriers.
Urgency: The increasing number of homeless people and housing disputes in urban areas highlights the urgent need for stronger legal protections and policy reforms to address this crisis.
Contribution: This paper contributes to the conversation on affordable housing and legal rights by demonstrating how community-driven legal initiatives can help mitigate the effects of housing injustice.
Recommendation: The study recommends reforming housing policies, increasing the availability of legal aid services for marginalized communities, and prioritizing affordable housing development.