Urgensi Bantuan Hukum Dalam Reformasi Hukum Acara (Menuju Akses Keadilan Yang Inklusif)

Abstract

Procedural law reform constitutes a strategic effort to establish a fair, transparent, and accountable judicial system. However, access to justice remains a fundamental issue, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups who face financial constraints, low levels of legal literacy, and weak bargaining positions in judicial processes. In this context, legal aid plays an essential role as an instrument to ensure the fulfillment of every citizen’s constitutional right to equal treatment before the law. This study aims to analyze the urgency of legal aid in procedural law reform and its contribution to achieving inclusive access to justice. The research employs a normative juridical method with statutory and conceptual approaches through the examination of relevant laws and literature. The findings indicate that legal aid not only functions as legal representation in judicial proceedings but also serves as a means of empowering individuals to understand and assert their rights. Optimizing the role of legal aid within procedural law reform can reduce disparities in access to justice and prevent discriminatory practices within the judicial system. Furthermore, the effective implementation of legal aid strengthens the principle of equality before the law. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce regulatory frameworks, improve the quality of legal aid services, and strengthen the commitment of relevant stakeholders to ensure equal access to legal aid. Consequently, procedural law reform supported by an effective legal aid system is expected to realize inclusive justice and social equity for all members of society in a sustainable manner