Mongabay · Climate & nature

Indonesia Passes Agrarian Reform Law Amidst Concerns

Indonesia's parliament has approved a new Agrarian Reform Regulation Law aimed at resolving land disputes and curbing land concentration. However, civil society groups express reservations about its potential limitations.

The law establishes a framework for resolving land conflicts and redistributing land. Details on its implementation remain unclear. Advocacy group KPA recorded over 3,200 agrarian conflicts affecting millions of hectares and households between 2015 and 2024.

A new national body, the LPRA, will coordinate reform efforts, reporting to the president. A supervisory council will also ensure transparency.

The law includes land-use planning, conflict resolution, and limits on landholding to prevent concentration.

Civil society groups fear the law may limit redistribution and make challenging state-controlled land difficult. Exemptions for state-owned companies are also a concern.

Questions arise about the LPRA's impartiality in disputes involving government agencies. Concerns also exist regarding the lack of clear objection processes and judicial review.

The legislative process was criticized as rushed and lacking transparency. Criminal provisions could also expose individuals to prosecution.

The law's handling of plantation land and the pending Indigenous Peoples Bill are also points of contention.

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