Celebrating Identity in North Sumatra

Most people in Asahan support their families through fishing, farming and selling food. They don’t expect much help. Most of them do not have birth or marriage registration and are not sure who to talk to about legal matters such as this.

Last week was worth celebrating. For the first time 29 couple had their marriages recognised and 79 children were registered as citizens. The ladies of PEKKA, people from the same background, led them by the hand, sat with them, introduced them to legal aid lawyers where necessary and helped them sort out their legal issues.

While they waited to be registered as citizens, the kids played games and sang songs. The mothers, fathers and children of Asahan chatted and laughed with us, took photos together, and made us join them in traditional dance Tor-Tor, reflecting the spirit of co-operation and fun that is moving across many activities.

This is in one small area but is being replicated by PEKKA, good local governments and Courts in many villages across Indonesia. AIPJ is making policies clear and bringing people together to get mobile legal services delivered in remote areas.

Other photos click here..