Government Accelerates Legalisation of Customary Land
The government is promoting the acceleration of customary land legalisation in several regions, including Riau. This effort is deemed essential to provide legal certainty while curbing potential land conflicts.
The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, along with the National Land Agency, held a socialisation event for customary land registration in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, on Tuesday (28/4/2026). The event was attended by sub-district heads, village heads, and adat custodians.
Special Staff of the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, Rezka Oktoberia, stated that the programme aims to protect indigenous peoples’ rights. “The customary land registration programme represents the state’s presence in protecting indigenous peoples’ rights,” said Rezka in his statement on Wednesday (29/4/2026).
Rezka explained that the registration does not change the status of customary land ownership to state property. The land remains under the control of indigenous communities, while the state provides recognition and legal protection.
He added that the programme is optional. “The decision remains in the hands of the customary law communities,” said Rezka.
Rezka noted that Riau is one of eight national priority areas for 2026. Pelalawan Regency is one of the initial implementation sites for the programme.
Head of the Riau Provincial Land Agency Office, Nurhadi Putra, said that seven plots of customary land in Pelalawan have currently been inventoried. This data serves as the initial stage in the administrative process.
Nurhadi assessed that land administration arrangement can reduce potential disputes. He also emphasised the need for synergy between local government and adat custodians.
Pelalawan Regent Zukri Misran stated that this socialisation helps the local government understand the management of customary land. “Through this forum, we want all parties to understand what needs to be done so that customary land remains preserved, can be passed down, and has legal certainty,” said Zukri.
Zukri assessed that land legalisation can enhance protection while opening up economic utilisation opportunities for indigenous communities.