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Journal : International Journal of Community Service (IJCS)

The Role of Community Service in Promoting Access to Justice: A Case Study of Free Legal Services in Region E Flora, Henny Saida; Aiman, Muhammad; Lubis, Arief Fahmi; Puwa, Suryani Intan Pratiwi; Dewi, Putri Maha
International Journal of Community Service (IJCS) Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): January-June
Publisher : PT Inovasi Pratama Internasional

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55299/ijcs.v4i1.1385

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role of community service in enhancing access to justice through free legal aid programs in Region E, an area marked by socioeconomic disparities and limited legal resources. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 legal practitioners and 20 beneficiaries, along with documentary analysis of program reports from 2020 to 2025, the research investigates how these initiatives empower marginalized populations and address systemic barriers. The findings reveal three key themes: (1) empowerment through increased legal literacy, enabling beneficiaries to better understand and assert their rights; (2) building trust between communities and formal legal institutions by providing accessible, culturally sensitive services; and (3) persistent challenges including funding shortages, staffing limitations, and infrastructural constraints such as poor internet connectivity. The study highlights that free legal services not only resolve individual legal issues but also contribute to broader social awareness and collective empowerment. However, the sustainability and scalability of these programs depend on stronger institutional support and innovative approaches, such as digital outreach and partnerships with local authorities. This research contributes to the discourse on grassroots legal empowerment by providing empirical insights from a rural context often underrepresented in justice studies. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers, NGOs, and legal professionals aiming to improve justice accessibility through community-driven efforts. Ultimately, the study underscores the critical importance of community service initiatives in bridging justice gaps and fostering inclusive legal systems.
Legal Assitance and Legal Literacy Enhancement for Victims of Termination of Employment in Efforts to Expand Access to Justice Mariane, Irene; Flora, Henny Saida; Puwa, Suryani Intan Pratiwi; Hafiz, Asnal; Nurahman, Dwi
International Journal of Community Service (IJCS) Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): January-June
Publisher : PT Inovasi Pratama Internasional

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55299/ijcs.v5i1.1872

Abstract

Termination of Employment (PHK) in Indonesia has escalated significantly, with over 88,519 cases recorded in 2025 alone, yet many victims remain unaware of their legal rights and are unable to navigate complex dispute resolution mechanisms. This study examines the role of legal assistance programs and legal literacy enhancement initiatives in expanding access to justice for PHK victims within a specific Indonesian district. Employing a qualitative socio-legal research methodology, this study conducted in-depth interviews with twenty-five (25) PHK victims, ten (10) legal aid providers, five (5) government officials from the local Manpower Office, and three (3) trade union representatives, complemented by document analysis and observation of mediation proceedings. The findings reveal that a significant majority of PHK victims (84%) possessed low to moderate levels of legal literacy regarding their statutory entitlements, including severance pay (pesangon), long-service awards (UPMK), and compensation for rights (UPH). Furthermore, 92% of respondents encountered substantial barriers to accessing justice, including prohibitive legal costs, procedural complexity, and geographic isolation from Industrial Relations Courts. Legal assistance provided by Legal Aid Institutions (LBH) and university legal clinics demonstrably improved the likelihood of PHK victims securing their rights, with assisted victims being 3.2 times more likely to obtain a favorable settlement or court ruling. However, the study also identifies critical challenges, including the limited capacity of legal aid organizations and persistent issues of weak law enforcement against recalcitrant employers. The research concludes that a synergistic approach, combining the provision of pro bono legal assistance with targeted community-based legal literacy programs, is essential for addressing the justice gap experienced by PHK victims. The study recommends the formal establishment of a District-Level Legal Aid Task Force for Employment Disputes and the integration of labor rights education into local community development programs.