North Sumatra Launches 6,110 Legal Aid Posts to Boost Access to Justice

North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, alongside Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, has officially launched 6,110 Legal Aid Posts (Posbankum) throughout the province's villages and sub-districts. This significant expansion aims to make legal assistance readily available and affordable for all residents, especially those in vulnerable and low-income groups.

Governor Nasution expressed confidence that the widespread presence of Posbankum will eliminate the need for citizens to travel long distances or navigate complex procedures to access justice. "We are confident that after Posbankum is 100 percent established in North Sumatra, people in villages and cities will no longer have to travel far to get legal assistance, no longer have to go through complex channels to get justice," Nasution stated.

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We are confident that after Posbankum is 100 percent established in North Sumatra, people in villages and cities will no longer have to travel far to get legal assistance, no longer have to go through complex channels to get justice.

With 6,110 posts established, matching the total number of villages and sub-districts in North Sumatra, every community now has improved access to legal support. These posts have already assisted in resolving 408 cases, a number expected to rise as more people utilize the services. Governor Nasution hopes that Posbankum will facilitate the resolution of legal disputes through mediation, preventing them from escalating into lengthy and burdensome court battles.

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Technology, the economy in our region is so dynamic and moving fast, friction between people or with corporations is almost unavoidable, but in my deepest heart, I do not want it to lead to long, tiring, and protracted legal processes.

Minister Supratman Andi Agtas emphasized that restoring social conditions should be the primary goal in resolving legal issues. He endorsed the restorative justice approach, advocating for its use through Posbankum, community police officers (Babinkamtibmas), village guards, or military personnel (Babinsa). The focus, he noted, is not solely on punishing offenders but on rebuilding social cohesion and fraternity.

All districts and cities in North Sumatra received an award from the Ministry of Law for their commitment to establishing Posbankum. Minister Supratman expressed his hope that these posts will provide tangible benefits to the community, and he will closely monitor their activities.

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It can be done (resolving legal issues) through Posbankum, Babinkamtibmas, Jaga Desa (Kejaksaan Program) or Babinsa TNI, the most important thing is not just giving punishment to the perpetrator, but restoring the social situation so that brotherhood can be re-woven.