Journal of Law, Policy and Global Development

The Journal of Law, Policy and Global Development (JLPGD) proudly launches its inaugural issue, Volume 1, Number 1 (June 2025), under the auspices of Pondok Pesantren As-Salafiyah As-Safi’iyyah. As a peer-reviewed, open-access academic platform, JLPGD is committed to advancing critical, interdisciplinary legal scholarship that engages with pressing global issues through the lens of governance, legal reform, and sustainable development. The journal seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the law’s role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering scholarly dialogue that bridges jurisdictions, traditions, and disciplines.

This first edition reflects JLPGD’s dedication to international collaboration and academic inclusivity. Contributions are drawn from scholars affiliated with seven institutions across three countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa—representing a rich blend of regional perspectives and legal traditions. These institutions include STAI Kh Muhammad Ali Shodiq Tulungagung (Indonesia), University College MAIWP International (Malaysia), UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung (Indonesia), University of Venda (South Africa), UNUGIRI Bojonegoro (Indonesia), IAIFA Kediri (Indonesia), and UNMUH Ponorogo (Indonesia). Their participation underscores the journal’s vision of encouraging legal scholarship that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.

The articles in this volume address complex legal questions at the intersection of international cooperation, climate action, digital governance, and institutional reform. The first article, “Bridging Legal Reform and Climate Action: Strengthening Rule of Law to Advance SDG 13 in the Global South,” explores the role of legal systems in enhancing environmental governance through stronger rule-of-law mechanisms. The second contribution, “Digital Governance and the Right to Privacy: A Comparative Analysis of AI Regulation in Southeast Asia and the European Union,” offers an in-depth examination of regulatory trends in artificial intelligence, comparing rights-based approaches to digital policy across diverse legal regimes. The third article, “Access to Justice in Plural Legal Systems: A Case Study of Customary and State Law Integration in Sub-Saharan Africa,” evaluates how legal pluralism can be leveraged to provide inclusive and culturally grounded justice, particularly in rural and post-conflict contexts. The fourth article, “Anti-Corruption Laws and Public Administration Reform” analyzes the relationship between anti-corruption legislation and administrative reform in fragile settings. It emphasizes the need for legal frameworks that go beyond criminalization and address systemic institutional weaknesses. The final contribution, “Transnational Legal Cooperation and Global Trade: Rethinking International Investment Law in the Era of Sustainable Development,” reconsiders the structure and purpose of international investment law, arguing for a paradigm shift toward sustainability, equity, and development-aligned treaty design in accordance with SDG 17.

Taken together, the articles in this issue reflect JLPGD’s overarching mission: to contribute to legal scholarship that is transformative, inclusive, and policy-relevant. The journal aspires to be a dynamic platform where scholars, practitioners, and policymakers critically examine the role of law in shaping equitable development and resilient institutions. It seeks to create a space where legal innovation is not only studied but also informed by diverse voices and real-world challenges. The Editorial Board extends its sincere appreciation to the authors, peer reviewers, and institutional partners who have made this inaugural issue possible. We also extend a warm invitation to legal scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to contribute to future editions. Through sustained academic collaboration, JLPGD aims to strengthen the global discourse on law, policy, and sustainable development.