Australia supports Indonesia’s first ever legal aid system

Hundreds of Indonesian legal aid organisations are now accredited and will have access to public funding to represent the poor. With this funding, the poor will gain better access to legal advice and representation, giving them a fair chance to resolve conflicts.

In a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, accredited legal aid organisations signed agreements with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to receive funding from the national budget to deliver legal aid services. This was witnessed by the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

310 legal aid organisations have been accredited under the system. There is at least one accredited organisation in every province.

“Australia congratulates Indonesia on the launch of its first ever legal aid system. We are pleased to support the Indonesian Government’s initiative to provide free lawyers to help poor people resolve conflicts,” said the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty.

Australia, through the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice, supported the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in setting up the new system and conducting the accreditation process.

According to a 2012 survey by the World Bank, only about 1000 legal aid lawyers provide services to 120 million Indonesians living on less than $2 per day.

“Many poor Indonesians cannot afford legal advice or representation. Indonesia’s legal aid organisations currently reach very few of these people due to limited resources and funding. Today marks an important milestone towards better access to justice and rule of law in Indonesia,” said Ambassador Moriarty.

Following the accreditation process, the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice will work with the Indonesian Government and non-governmental organisations to increase the number of lawyers offering free legal services across the country and to improve the quality of these services.

Media inquiries:
Mia Salim, Public Affairs, AusAID Indonesia, 08121070237