Evaluation of Legal Aid and Assistance Implementation under Regional Regulation Number 14 of 2022 in Blora Regency

Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation of legal aid services for micro-enterprises in Blora Regency as mandated by Regional Regulation Number 14 of 2022, with the aim of assessing policy realization and identifying barriers to its effectiveness. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through observation, semi-structured interviews with government officials, and focus group discussions involving thirty purposively selected micro-entrepreneurs. Data were analyzed using an interactive qualitative model guided by Dunn’s policy evaluation indicators. Findings show that although the regulation prescribes legal aid in the form of counseling, consultation, mediation, and document assistance, its implementation has been constrained by the absence of technical guidelines, inadequate budget allocation, and weak institutional coordination. As a result, most entrepreneurs remain unaware of the program and continue resolving disputes such as fraud, taxation conflicts, forged documents, and partnership losses through informal mechanisms. The study concludes that the policy remains normative rather than operational and fails to meet criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and responsiveness. It recommends issuing technical regulations, allocating dedicated funding, conducting systematic socialization, establishing legal aid clinics, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and integrating digital services to ensure legal protection is realized as a substantive right.