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, reduce the risk of agrarian conflict, and ensure fairness in the management of land resources 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. This abandoned land can also lead to agrarian conflicts because it’s been left for a long time, and someone occupies it, and then agrarian conflicts arise,” Hasan said.
He added that before the takeover, a grace period and three formal warnings would be implemented to the landowners. This would give them the opportunity to return to actively managing their assets.
This policy refers to Government Regulation (PP) Number 20 of 2021 concerning the Regulation of Abandoned Areas and Land. Under this regulation, land that has not been utilized, maintained, or used productively for two years can be taken over by the state.
“So, if there are large capitalists who own or manage land outside their jurisdiction, for example, they have the right to manage 100,000 hectares but only manage 150,000 hectares, and the remainder must be returned to the state. This is for the sake of justice,” Hasan explained.
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 are not yet optimally utilized. He believes this land has significant 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 use. If it’s zoned for agriculture or plantations, you can utilize it economically through an Islamic boarding school cooperative,” he said.
However, he emphasized that land distribution must adhere to the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW). For example, if land is located in a residential or industrial zone, it can be used to build an Islamic boarding school. Meanwhile, if it’s located in an agricultural zone, it can be utilized economically by Islamic boarding school cooperatives or community organizations.
The Director General of Land and Spatial Control and Regulation, Jonahar, added that the main focus of this regulation is land under the rights of legal entities, not individuals.
“The current regulatory process focuses on HGU and HGB rights owned by legal entities. Therefore, individual property rights are not included in this scheme. Evaluations are conducted selectively, based on data, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he stressed.
This government measure demonstrates a strong commitment to creating equity and justice in land ownership. By involving civil society organizations as partners in land use, this policy is expected to support community-based social development agendas, revitalize unproductive land, and reduce the potential for future agrarian conflicts.
