Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (BPN), Nusron Wahid, recently revealed that he has yet to approve any Right to Cultivate (HGU) applications spanning an enormous 1.67 million hectares across Indonesia. This decisive pause, according to Wahid, stems from the ministry’s unwavering commitment to focus on comprehensive land sector restructuring and reforms.
“For this entire year, we have deliberately refrained from signing,” Wahid stated, as quoted on Saturday (December 20). He further detailed the sheer volume of applications awaiting his signature: “The total number of new, extension, and renewal applications on my desk currently stands at 1,673,000 hectares. Not a single one has been signed by us.” This highlights a significant policy shift in Indonesia’s land management.
Wahid clarified that the government is resolute in taking stringent measures against any problematic permits, particularly those suspected of contributing to devastating floods across Sumatra. He emphasized that this thorough land restructuring is fundamentally guided by principles of justice, thereby underscoring the true essence of agrarian reform.
Recalling a recent cabinet meeting, Wahid quoted the President regarding flood causes, especially in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. He asserted, “If it’s revealed that HGUs or mining permits in forest areas, or similar activities, are contributing to these floods, I assure you, if they are illegal, just sweep them aside. There will be no leniency, because indeed, this year we are committed to not signing any such approvals.” This firm stance reiterates the government’s resolve to prioritize environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Beyond mere land distribution, Wahid elaborated that the ultimate goal of agrarian reform extends to ensuring every Indonesian citizen has the fundamental right to a decent livelihood. This broader vision aims to create a more equitable society through responsible land policy that benefits all.
He previously underscored that all HGU holders are absolutely obligated to safeguard environmental sustainability within their concession areas – a non-negotiable condition for operation. Every grant of land rights is inherently coupled with significant responsibilities and stringent restrictions that permit recipients must strictly adhere to.
Concurrently, Rudi Rubijaya, Director of Land Reform at the Directorate General of Agrarian Spatial Planning within the Ministry of ATR/BPN, announced that the government is actively implementing a comprehensive land management concept known as the “3Rs”: Right, Responsibility, and Restriction. This framework is specifically designed to enforce robust corporate compliance in the land sector.
Rubijaya further clarified that while land right holders possess the flexibility to utilize their land, they are simultaneously bound by the crucial obligation to protect vital conservation areas, such as riverbanks, ensuring they remain undamaged by business activities. This holistic approach emphasizes sustainable practices in Indonesia’s land use for long-term national benefit.
Summary
Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Nusron Wahid, has withheld approval for 1.67 million hectares of Right to Cultivate (HGU) applications this year across Indonesia. This decisive pause is part of a comprehensive land sector restructuring and reform initiative, aimed at addressing problematic permits and ensuring justice. The government is committed to taking stringent action against HGU or mining permits found to be contributing to environmental issues, such as devastating floods, with a firm stance against illegal activities and no leniency.
Wahid emphasized that all HGU holders are non-negotiably obligated to safeguard environmental sustainability within their concession areas. The broader goal of this agrarian reform is to ensure every Indonesian citizen has the fundamental right to a decent livelihood through responsible land policy. Additionally, the ministry is actively implementing a “3Rs” concept—Right, Responsibility, and Restriction—to enforce robust corporate compliance and protect vital conservation areas like riverbanks.
