The Urgency of Legal Aid in Criminal Cases in Indonesia

Abstract

Access to justice is a fundamental pillar in a democratic legal system that upholds human rights. In the context of criminal law, legal aid plays a crucial role in ensuring fair legal protection, particularly for underprivileged individuals who are often in vulnerable positions. Although Indonesia has established a comprehensive legal framework enshrined in the 1945 Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), and Law Number 16 of 2011 on Legal Aid the implementation still faces various structural and cultural challenges. This study employs normative and sociological legal approaches to examine the urgency of legal aid in criminal cases and the obstacles encountered in its execution. These include the uneven distribution of legal aid organizations, limited funding and trained personnel, as well as the low legal awareness among the poor. The findings highlight the need for stronger state commitment through institutional capacity building, increased funding, and legal education initiatives to realize a fair and inclusive criminal justice system that guarantees the rights of all citizens.