By Raras Ayu Palapa *)
State land management is one of the strategic sectors that is prone to irregularities and abuse of authority. In practice, the acquisition and management of state land is often marred by overlapping ownership, legal conflicts, and allegations of land mafia practices. For this reason, the government through various institutions, including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), is now paying serious attention to this issue by encouraging transparency and strengthening the system in managing state land.
One of the concrete steps taken is to encourage the Land Bank Agency as a strategic state institution to strengthen regulations and accountable work procedures. The Land Bank Agency was formed to manage state land assets professionally and avoid ownership confusion that has often been a loophole for corruption. In this case, the KPK emphasized the importance of clear rules and transparent procedures in order to close the opportunity for corrupt practices.
Deputy Chairman of the KPK, Ibnu Basuki Widodo, assessed that the loopholes for corruption in the land sector are very wide open, especially when the land permit granting process is carried out without strict supervision and strong regulations. In some cases, land acquisition is often accompanied by inappropriate returns, or under-the-table transactions that are detrimental to the state. Therefore, clarity in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is an important tool in closing the potential for such deviations.
The KPK views that the presence of the Land Bank Agency will be able to provide concrete solutions in securing state assets and eradicating land mafia. The Chairman of the KPK, Setyo Budiyanto, emphasized the importance of synergy between this institution and ministries, other institutions, and local governments, so that the entire chain of land management can be monitored in an integrated manner. He believes that if land management is carried out optimally and professionally, then classic problems such as land conversion and ownership conflicts can be minimized. This effort also includes improving public perception of land affairs. With the support of the KPK as a monitoring partner, the management of state assets can run even better.
The Head of the Land Bank Agency, Parman Nataatmadja, welcomed the support and assistance from the KPK in overseeing the governance of state land. He acknowledged that land conflicts are very complex and often involve lawsuits even after the land is declared clean and clear. This condition shows that the land management process cannot be carried out unilaterally, but must involve strong supervision and legal protection so as not to cause losses to the state or society.
In addition to the interests of the state, the presence of the Land Bank Agency is also expected to be able to provide legal certainty for business actors who want to invest legally and orderly. The business world requires certainty that the land used is legal, not in dispute, and does not pose a legal risk in the future. This legal certainty is an important prerequisite in building a healthy and sustainable investment climate.
Furthermore, efforts to improve state land governance also touch on social aspects and agrarian justice. The West Sumatra Provincial DPRD, through Deputy Chairperson Evi Yandri Rajo Budiman, plays an active role in ensuring that the implementation of the Right to Cultivate (HGU) in its area runs fairly and does not cause inequality. During her working visit to West Pasaman Regency, Evi emphasized that HGU management must be oriented towards the welfare of farmers and local communities, not merely corporate profits.
Legislative involvement in supervising land governance is an important aspect in realizing transparency and accountability. This step also reflects that the management of state land is not only the domain of the executive, but is a shared responsibility of all elements of government. The DPRD not only functions to supervise, but also to protect the rights of the community so that they are not harmed by policies that are not in their favor.
Land policies must ensure the sustainability of farming businesses that are based on the interests of the community. Equitable land management is the foundation for regional economic growth, reducing social inequality, and increasing farmer welfare. Therefore, the principle of social justice must always be present in every decision related to the use of state land.
The recent meeting between the KPK and the Land Bank Agency was the starting point for exploring more concrete cooperation in order to strengthen the supervision and control system for the management of state assets. The planned cooperation agreement that will be formulated technically is expected to be able to integrate the roles of the two institutions in ensuring that every inch of state land is truly used for the benefit of the people..
This synergy is expected to not only produce better governance, but also provide a direct impact on the wider community. Transparency, strict supervision, and legal protection in the management of state land are important steps in realizing inclusive and equitable agrarian reform. With a strong commitment from various parties, Indonesia has a great opportunity to escape the shackles of the land mafia and make state assets the mainstay of sustainable development.
)* the author is a public policy observer
