Islamic Law and Access to Justice: The Role of the Legal Aid Post of the ‘Aisyiyah Regional Leadership of Surabaya in Protecting Vulnerable Communities

Abstract

This study examines the role of the ‘Aisyiyah Regional Leadership (PDA) of Surabaya City Legal Aid Post (Posbakum) in strengthening legal protection for vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and underprivileged communities, in accordance with Islamic law. As a community-based legal service institution, legal aid post seeks to uphold the principle of equality before the law. However, vulnerable groups continue to face barriers, including limited access to legal information, economic constraints, unequal power relations, and low legal literacy. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of legal aid post in providing legal consultation, litigation and non-litigation assistance, and public legal education; identify structural and cultural barriers; and formulate strategies for strengthening inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable legal aid services. A socio-legal approach was employed using in-depth interviews, document analysis, and observations of legal aid services. The findings show that the ‘Aisyiyah Regional Leadership (PDA) of Surabaya City Legal Aid Post has contributed significantly to improving access to justice, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence, Islamic family disputes, and population administration. However, further strengthening of human resources, collaborative networks, and community-based advocacy is required. This study recommends empowerment-oriented legal services, digitalization of legal information, and cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen equal access to justice for vulnerable groups in Surabaya.