Jayapura, Jubi – The Legal and Human Rights Department of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) has launched the GIDI Legal Aid Institute (LBH GIDI) in Jayapura, Papua, on Monday (28/9/2026).
GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department Chairman Rev. Jimmy Koirewoa said the establishment of LBH GIDI was part of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia’s commitment to addressing legal and humanitarian issues faced by church members and the wider community.
He said GIDI saw the need for an institution specifically tasked and equipped to monitor, provide legal assistance and support, protect, document and report on various legal and humanitarian issues affecting communities.
The establishment of LBH GIDI is therefore expected to provide a platform for advocacy on issues faced by different groups in society.
“Especially for ordinary people and those in vulnerable situations, while providing legal protection and assistance to people who need it,” Rev. Koirewoa said in a statement on Monday (28/9/2026).
He said LBH GIDI was officially launched by the president and vice-president of GIDI, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of its operations.
Lawyers involved in providing legal and humanitarian assistance through LBH GIDI are expected to carry out their work professionally and with integrity, while upholding the principles of justice, humanity, respect for human rights and the interests of people seeking legal assistance.
Rev. Koirewoa said LBH GIDI would provide services directly in the field, particularly in situations where communities were vulnerable.
These include conflict and violence, natural and social disasters, displacement, social issues, alleged human rights violations, legal problems faced by communities, and other situations requiring legal assistance, protection and support.
In carrying out its role, LBH GIDI is expected to coordinate with GIDI’s Legal and Human Rights Department and work closely with the GIDI Humanitarian Team, churches, communities, government institutions, humanitarian organisations, community organisations and other parties concerned with law enforcement, justice, human rights and humanitarian issues.
“This cooperation is expected to strengthen the services provided so that people facing legal or humanitarian difficulties can receive the assistance and support they need,” he said.
The GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department has called on GIDI members and all other parties who are willing to contribute to support the work of LBH GIDI.
It said such support was part of a collective effort to strengthen legal assistance, protection and support for members of the church and communities in need.
“The GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department welcomes all parties who care about legal and humanitarian services to work together in supporting the establishment and work of LBH GIDI,” Rev. Koirewoa said. (*)
