Civil Coalition Opens Legal Aid Post in Rempang

TEMPO.CO, Batam - The National Solidarity Team for Rempang opened a legal aid post for Rempang Island residents in Sembulang Hulu Village, Galang District, Batam, on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

The team consists of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), YLBHI-LBH Pekanbaru, WALHI National Executive, WALHI Riau Regional Executive, LBH Mawar Saron Batam, PBH Peradi Batam, PP Man, Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA), Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), and Trend Asia.

Director of LBH Pekanbaru, Andi Wijaya, said that the legal aid post is open free of charge for all Rempang residents to report issues, especially regarding the community's efforts to defend their land from the threat of eviction.

Andi continued that the post is expected to be the answer and guarantee that people's rights to legal services are fulfilled. “People are free to come and complain about whatever they are experiencing and we will assist them,” he said on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

He said there should be no party intimidating residents who want to defend their rights. “Citizens are free to make their choices,” he asserted.

Mangara Sianggaran, the Director of LBH Mawar Saron Batam, said that the post was opened as a form of concern for the community, especially Rempang residents who are struggling to defend their land rights.

This is pro bono support, Mangara added. So far, dozens of Rempang residents have come to the National Solidarity Team for Rempang for assistance.

An advocate from PBH Peradi Batam, Sopandi, said that Rempang people should not be afraid to fight for their rights as the team will help them if they need legal assistance. “Hopefully, this post will give a sense of security to the residents who keep fighting to defend their land,” he said.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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