On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM), through its Consultation and Legal Aid Center (PKBH) unit, in collaboration with the High Prosecutor's Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Kejati DIY), successfully held the "Suluh Praja" Legal Counseling collaborative event at the Bendung Village Hall, Semin Sub-district, Gunungkidul Regency. This legal counseling event represents a synergy of various elements, featuring academics through the presence of FH UGM Faculty members and practitioners through Kejati DIY. The event aimed to enhance understanding regarding the topics of Village Treasury Land Management, Waste Management, and Alternative Dispute Resolution in Neighborly Relations.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks delivered on behalf of the Head of Bendung Village by the Village Secretary (Carik), Mrs. Eka Puji Suryanti, S.Ak. The warm remarks included an introduction to the village as an opening to this tangible collaboration. The agenda continued with an explanation regarding the Duties and Authorities of the Civil and State Administrative Division of the High Prosecutor's Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, presented by the Kejati DIY team.
Following the presentation on the Duties and Authorities of the Civil and State Administrative Division (Datun), the legal counseling session proceeded with a presentation on Waste Management by Dr. Wahyu Yun Santoso, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M. In his presentation, Dr. Wahyuyun discussed the urgency of environmental law enforcement as well as the transformation of waste management from upstream to downstream based on a circular economy and regulatory compliance to preserve the environment and ensure village resilience.
Subsequently, the second material on Village Treasury Land (TKD) Management was presented by Prof. Andy Omara, S.H., M.Pub.&Int.Law., Ph.D. During the session, Prof. Andy explained that Village Treasury Land is a strategic village asset with special characteristics in Yogyakarta based on Yogyakarta Governor Regulation Number 11 of 2012. Therefore, its utilization must comply with statutory regulations while maintaining the agricultural function of the land according to its designation to guarantee legal certainty and community welfare.
Next, the third presentation on Alternative Dispute Resolution implemented in neighborly disputes and issues among villagers was delivered by Herliana, S.H., M.ComLaw., Ph.D. In her presentation, she explained that out-of-court dispute resolution based on Law No. 30 of 1999 through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration offers a faster, more affordable process that prioritizes familial values and Indonesian cultural norms, thereby preserving harmony among residents.
After all the materials were delivered, the event continued with an interactive discussion and Q&A session between the speakers and the Bendung Village officials (pamong). The high enthusiasm of the participants was evident from the diverse questions raised, particularly concerning legal issues in waste management and handling at the village level, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes between residents within the same neighborhood unit regarding their livestock. In response to these issues, the speakers provided comprehensive explanations referring to applicable laws and regulations, while offering practical perspectives to address problems at the village level.
In line with the event's theme, "Law Preserved for an Empowered Village," this event is expected to contribute to SDG 13, which aims for climate action, and SDG 15, which focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems through sustainable environmental and waste management. Furthermore, this legal counseling is expected to align with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions starting at the village government level. Through tangible contributions aligned with the principles of Sustainable Development, FH UGM continues to advance the fulfillment of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), particularly community service.
Author : Sahil Jibran Efendi (PKBH FH UGM)
