Surabaya – Conflicts can arise from many sources, ranging from agricultural issues and land disputes to misunderstandings between neighbors and highly sensitive social matters. Amid such tensions, the presence of peacemakers play a crucial role in resolving disputes, easing conflicts, and restoring social harmony at various levels of society.
Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, openly praised the work of peacemakers in East Java. During a visit to Gayungan Subdistrict in South Surabaya, he spoke with the local head, Pramudita Yustiani, who successfully resolved a highly sensitive case involving a dispute over the establishment of a house of worship.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for the resolution achieved through the Gayungan Legal Aid Post (Posbankum), noting that the case might not have been easily handled by law enforcement or other state authorities due to its sensitive nature. He delivered his remarks during the inauguration of Village and Subdistrict Legal Aid Posts and the opening of Paralegal Training in East Java on Thursday evening (December 11, 2025).
He further highlighted that the dispute over the house of worship was resolved through dialogue facilitated by the Posbankum and the peacemaker at the local level, ultimately gaining acceptance from the surrounding community. Speaking at Graha Unesa, Campus 2 of the Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Supratman described the achievement as a remarkable example of grassroots conflict resolution.
Reflecting on the nation’s founding values, the Minister recalled the statesmanship of Indonesia’s founding fathers and religious leaders, particularly their willingness to set aside differences for the sake of national unity, as symbolized by the historical compromise on the first principle of Pancasila.
“This spirit of unity in the interest of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia has been reflected in Gayungan,” he said, adding that the example set by peacemakers and paralegals demonstrates how wisdom can grow through inclusive and principled dialogue.
Echoing the Minister’s view, Vice Minister for Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Ahmad Riza Patria, emphasized that village development should focus not only on physical projects but also on building sustainable systems and ecosystems, including legal service mechanisms.
“Projects may end, but systems endure. Legal Aid Posts are part of that system—a legal service, a mechanism for protecting citizens, and a means of preventing conflict that remains in place despite changes in leadership, government, or programs,” he said. He added that strong legal systems at the village level contribute directly to stronger communities and a stronger nation.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa also underscored that the presence of peacemakers addresses a fundamental societal need. According to her, peacemakers help anticipate and mitigate potential conflicts arising from differences in socio-economic status, culture, and social backgrounds.
“At the village level, when leaders and officials possess the knowledge and capacity to offer solutions through legal aid posts, the effort to safeguard national unity truly begins from the grassroots,” Khofifah said.
Meanwhile, Head of the East Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, Haris Sukamto, explained that training for peacemakers and paralegals is essential to improving the quality of legal services, as they serve as the frontline for communities seeking tangible justice.
“We recognize that this achievement is not the end, but the beginning of a greater responsibility—to ensure that legal aid posts are not only physically present, but also effective, beneficial, and sustainable for the community,” he said.
Currently, legal aid posts have been established in all villages and subdistricts across East Java, totaling 8,494. Nationwide, 71,773 village and subdistrict legal aid posts have been formed, representing 85.5 percent of the country’s 83,946 villages and subdistricts. Out of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, 29 have established legal aid posts in every village and subdistrict within their jurisdictions.
