Governor Khofifah Hands Over 444 Right-to-Use Certificates to Strengthen Asset Legal Certainty

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, together with the head of the East Java regional office of the National Land Agency (BPN) Asep Heri, handed over 444 right-to-use certificates for the Government of East Java and several religious institutions and places of worship at Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, on Tuesday (3 March). The handover forms part of an effort to strengthen legal certainty and asset governance in the region. Also in attendance were East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, the provincial secretary Adhy Karyono, the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Amanatul Ummah KH Asep Saifuddin Chalim, senior regional officials, and representatives of the beneficiaries of the worship place certificates. During the occasion, Khofifah said the commitment of the BPN to certificate government and religious institution assets has strategic significance for strengthening governance and at the same time providing legal protection for public assets. "The law relating to land is the fundamental foundation of fair development. Without clear legality, asset management will be prone to disputes and inefficiency," she said. She explained that the certificates handed over cover a range of vital assets across several areas of East Java, including educational land such as SMA Negeri 1 Klakah Lumajang measuring 3.8 hectares, and other educational assets in Blitar, Kediri, and Mojokerto. In addition to the education sector, the certificates also cover transport infrastructure assets such as Maospati Terminal in Magetan and several road assets in Pamekasan Regency, irrigation assets in Probolinggo, as well as health and social facilities in Mojokerto. According to Khofifah, legal certainty will minimise potential overlaps in ownership and disputes that could have social consequences for communities. "If there is no legality and it takes too long, the social impact is too great, prone to overlaps and disputes. Good governance is greatly aided by the certificates," she explained. Khofifah added that issuing the certificates provides strong legal protection so that the East Java Provincial Government’s strategic assets can be utilised optimally for public services, improvements in education quality, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of social and religious activities. "The evidence of East Java's BPN working to fulfil certificates, and for recipients, it will empower their assets with greater legal certainty," she said. She stressed that the titles are not merely land administration documents but part of a commitment to creating governance that is transparent, accountable, and oriented towards public service. "If land status is orderly and well-structured, its utilisation will be more productive, sustainable, and deliver tangible benefits for the prosperity of the people," she said. Looking ahead, Khofifah hopes the synergy between the East Java Provincial Government and the East Java Regional Office of the National Land Agency will be strengthened so that all government assets and strategic institutions have clear legal certainty. "The synergy between the East Java Provincial Government and the East Java Regional Office of the National Land Agency will continued to be maintained to make East Java a national exemplar in accelerating the legalisation of regional assets," she asserted. Meanwhile, East Java Regional Office Head Asep Heri explained that the 444 certificates handed over cover a total area of 453,999 square metres. Details include 345 certificates for Nahdlatul Ulama totaling 119,799 square metres, 11 certificates for Muslimat NU totaling 5,572 square metres, 10 certificates for Muhammadiyah totaling 12,797 square metres, 43 certificates for various foundations, and one certificate each for churches and other religious legal entities. In addition, the East Java Provincial Government received 33 right-to-use certificates in the name of the East Java Provincial Government with a total area of 239,835 square metres, and 25 certificates for Pondok Pesantren Amanatul Ummah. "The total of 444 certificates is not just a number, but a tangible expression of our cooperation, coordination and collaboration. Thank you for your kindness and do not tire of doing good for our nation and faiths," he concluded.