Indonesia: Transferring Abandoned Land a Solution to Prevent Agrarian Conflict
Jakarta – The government is currently finalizing a strategic policy for utilizing abandoned land by transferring it to community organizations (ormas). This step is being taken as part of efforts to encourage productive land use, narrow the gap in agrarian conflict, and ensure fairness in land resource management in Indonesia.
The Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, stated that this policy reflects the government’s commitment to empowering land in a more equitable and sustainable manner.
“So, the government’s primary goal is to ensure that no land remains abandoned. These abandoned lands can also lead to agrarian conflicts because they are left unattended for a long time, and then someone occupies them, and then agrarian conflicts occur,” said Hasan.
He added that before the takeover, a grace period and three official warnings will be given to landowners. This gives owners the opportunity to actively manage their assets again.
This policy refers to Government Regulation (PP) Number 20 of 2021 concerning the Regulation of Abandoned Areas and Land. Based on this regulation, land that has not been utilized, maintained, or used productively within two years can be taken over by the state.
“So, if there are large capitalists who own or manage land outside their authority. For example, they have the right to manage 100,000 hectares but only manage 150,000 hectares, the remainder must be returned to the state. This is for the sake of justice,” explained Hasan.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid, stated that of the total 55.9 million hectares of certified land, approximately 1.4 million hectares have not been optimally utilized. According to him, this land has great potential for use by mass organizations, particularly for social and religious activities.
“If you’re building an Islamic boarding school, look for land zoned for residential or industrial purposes. If it’s zoned for agriculture or plantations, it can be utilized economically through Islamic boarding school cooperatives,” he said.
However, he emphasized that land distribution must still adhere to the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW). For example, if land is in a residential or industrial zone, it can be used to build an Islamic boarding school. Meanwhile, if it’s in an agricultural zone, it can be utilized economically by Islamic boarding school cooperatives or mass organizations.
The Director General of Land and Spatial Control and Regulation, Jonahar, added that the main focus of this regulation is land held under the rights of legal entities, not individuals.
“The current regulation is focused on HGU and HGB owned by legal entities. Therefore, individual ownership is not included in this scheme. Evaluations are carried out selectively, based on data, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he emphasized.
This government step demonstrates a strong commitment to creating equity and justice in land ownership. By involving community organizations as land use partners, this policy is expected to support community-based social development agendas, revitalize unproductive land, and reduce the potential for future agrarian conflicts.
