PERAN LEMBAGA PENYULUHAN HUKUM DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESADARAN HUKUM MASYARAKAT DESA BUKIT RAWI

Abstract

Legal awareness is an essential element in establishing a just, orderly, and law-abiding society. This study aims to examine the role of legal education institutions in increasing the legal awareness of the community in Bukit Rawi Village and to analyze the effects of legal education programs on people’s understanding and legal behavior. The study employed a descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, open-ended questionnaires, and document analysis. The research participants consisted of community members, local leaders, legal education participants, and program administrators selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed thematically, while source and technique triangulation was applied to ensure the validity of the findings. The results indicate that legal education institutions play a significant role in improving community members’ understanding of their legal rights and obligations. The percentage of respondents who understood their rights as citizens increased from 30% before the program to 70% after its implementation. Community participation also increased from 50 participants in the first month to 120 participants in the sixth month. In addition, the number of questions raised during educational sessions and the number of legal problems reported to local legal institutions increased substantially. These findings demonstrate that legal education improves legal knowledge, encourages public participation, and strengthens community trust in local legal institutions. Therefore, legal education programs should be implemented continuously, evaluated regularly, adapted to local needs, and supported through collaboration among village governments, legal institutions, universities, and community organizations.