Jakarta. Indonesia and the Netherlands are set to collaborate in increasing social inclusion, access to justice and countering online hate speech, officials said during the 2018 Indonesia-Netherlands Rule of Law and Security Update in Jakarta, which started on Wednesday (17/01).

The two-day meeting features experts from both countries, who will suggest possible solutions to policy-makers.

"The idea is to work together, Indonesia and the Netherlands, because we have the same foundation, and see if we can come up with new, innovative solutions based on rule of law," Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, Rob Swartbol, told reporters.

There are many similarities in the two countries' legal systems — remnants from the Dutch colonial era — that can facilitate cooperation, an example of which is the Supreme Court's and its Dutch counterpart's joint efforts to make all past case rulings available to Indonesian judges to help them in issuing future verdicts.

According to Swartbol, the common legal base can also become a foundation for joining forces to address international challenges and increase inclusivity.

The ambassador described the cooperation as a two-way street, and said the Netherlands can learn from Indonesia's experience in reaching out to minority groups.

The international challenges he referred to are especially the means to control the use of the internet by curbing hate speech and other threats, while striking a balance between freedom of expression and security.

Another field of cooperation covers the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Indonesia and the Netherlands … should intensify collaboration to support the SDGs … Indonesia is committed to [ensuring] access to justice and legal aid for the poor," Justice Minister Yasonna said, referring to the 16th goal, which is dedicated to the promotion of inclusive societies and the provision of access to justice for all.

The minister said the most vulnerable members of the society must be able to secure their rights, access legal protection and participate in decision-making that has an impact on their respective communities.

In accordance with the 2011 Law on Legal Aid, which guarantees legal protection to all citizens, the government has allocated funding for free legal aid services.

Despite budget constraints, Yasonna said the number of beneficiaries is increasing.

According to data from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, nearly 40,000 benefited from the program in 2016, and 50,000 in 2017.