Seluruh 1,185 villages and sub-districts across 10 regencies and cities in North Maluku have officially established Legal Aid Posts (Posbankum), marking a significant advancement in enhancing legal accessibility for communities throughout the region. This impressive undertaking underscores a dedicated commitment to bringing justice closer to the people.
The Posbankum initiative serves as a vital platform, empowering residents with comprehensive legal support. These posts offer essential services including information and consultation, non-litigation legal assistance, and advocacy. They also facilitate effective dispute resolution through mediation, skillfully led by trained Paralegals and Village/Sub-district Heads acting as designated Peacemakers. Furthermore, Posbankum provides valuable referral services to pro bono advocates and established Legal Aid Organizations. The successful formation of these 1,185 new Posbankum in North Maluku significantly bolsters the national network, raising the total number of such posts nationwide to an impressive 41,652.
A momentous ceremony for the formal inauguration of these crucial Legal Aid Posts was held in Ternate on Monday, October 13th. The event was officiated by the Indonesian Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, who was accompanied by North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda and the Head of the National Law Development Agency (BPHN), Min Usihen. The occasion also saw the attendance of numerous Regents and Mayors from across the region, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind this initiative.
During the ceremony, Minister Supratman Andi Agtas expressed profound appreciation for Governor Sherly Tjoanda’s tireless efforts. “I commend Governor Tjoanda’s support in establishing Posbankum throughout North Maluku, achieving 100 percent coverage in its villages and sub-districts. I am confident that justice will be swiftly delivered across North Maluku, setting an excellent precedent for other regions,” stated Minister Agtas, who personally attended the Posbankum inauguration event in Ternate.
In a special recognition of her dedication, the Indonesian Minister of Law further honored Governor Sherly Tjoanda by formally appointing her as a Posbankum Ambassador. “I also hope Governor Tjoanda will accept the role of Posbankum ambassador and lead the charge in serving justice for the public in North Maluku,” he conveyed.
The Minister emphasized that legal aspects and justice are paramount priorities, firmly enshrined within President Prabowo’s “Asta Cita” (eight visions). President Prabowo consistently highlights that law is the bedrock of justice, and access to justice is a fundamental right demanded by every citizen. Therefore, the state bears the responsibility to ensure the provision of these essential legal services. The establishment of Posbankum and the associated paralegal training represent concrete measures undertaken by the Ministry of Law, through the National Law Development Agency (BPHN), to simplify and broaden community access to justice, extending even to the most remote village and sub-district levels. Following the inauguration and the commencement of paralegal training, Minister Agtas proceeded to inspect a Posbankum facility located in Ternate City.
Responding to these accolades, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Law for initiating and championing the Posbankum Desa/Kelurahan program. “The successful establishment of Posbankum across North Maluku’s provincial, regency, and city governments would not have been possible without strong synergy with the Ministry of Law,” remarked Governor Sherly Tjoanda.
Governor Tjoanda enthusiastically accepted her new role, stating her full readiness to serve as a Posbankum ambassador and pledging to open the widest possible avenues for justice. She powerfully asserted, “Today, justice has transcended city limits and now reaches into villages, islands, and remote hamlets.”
Budi Argap Situngkir, Head of the North Maluku Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), underscored the critical importance of sustaining this solid synergy beyond just the inauguration. “This success is the direct outcome of close collaboration between the central government, local governments, legal aid institutions, and civil society. The North Maluku Regional Office of the Ministry of Law will persistently strengthen cooperation with various stakeholders to ensure the seamless operation of Posbankum services,” he affirmed.
Also in attendance at this pivotal event were notable figures including BPHN Secretary M. Aliamsyah, Head of the Center for Legal Culture and Aid C. Kristomo, Head of the Center for Monitoring, Review, and Development of National Law BPHN Rahendro Jati, along with other representatives from the BPHN staff.
Summary
North Maluku has successfully established 1,185 Legal Aid Posts (Posbankum) across all its villages and sub-districts, significantly enhancing community access to justice. These posts offer vital legal support, including information, consultation, non-litigation assistance, dispute resolution through mediation by trained paralegals, and referrals. This extensive network significantly enhances community access to justice, even in remote areas.
The formal inauguration of these Posbankum was held in Ternate on October 13th, officiated by the Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, alongside Governor Sherly Tjoanda. Minister Agtas praised Governor Tjoanda’s achievement of 100% coverage and appointed her as a Posbankum Ambassador. Both emphasized the state’s responsibility to ensure widespread access to justice, with Governor Tjoanda pledging to extend justice to villages and remote areas.